Duration of Acute Hep B and Seroconversion

[HepCat26]

I had been feeling poorly for about two months and had noticed dark urine developing in the second month (November) so I saw my family physician and had liver function tests on Dec 10 2009 which showed readings of ALT 3700 and AST 1930. I was admitted to hospital Dec 14 2009 with severe jaundice. I tested positive for HBV and had the following readings in the days that followed:

Dec 14 - ALT
Dec 15 - ALT 2945 AST 1758 Hep B Surface Ag- Positive, Surface Antibody- Negative, Core Antibody- Positive
Dec 16 - ALT 3124 AST 2025
Dec 17 - ALT 2945 AST 1928
Dec 18-  ALT 2814 AST 1609
Dec 19 - ALT 2578 AST 1580
Dec 20- ALT 2301 AST 1218
Dec 21- ALT 1994 AST 935
DEC 22- ALT 1596 AST 623 Viral DNA 485,000

I then underwent a liver biopsy which basically showed an otherwise healthy liver infected with Hep B. No ground glass, no fatty liver, no cirrhosis etc.

I was then discharged from hospital with instructions to test liver functions weekly...the ALT/AST results dropped rapidly and within two weeks these were normal, where they have remained since, squarely in the middle of the ranges. Jaundice disappeared rapidly.

I was referred to a hepatologist in January who diagnosed acute Hep B. I have been off work and resting since then. I have also had hepatitis serology panels done at two week intervals since, with no change. The hepatologist informs me that we are awaiting seroconversion. The viral DNA has been done three times since...end of January the reading was 286,000...end of February the reading was 485...March 12 reading was 397...

Here is my question. Given the approximately two months of symptoms preceding the peak of the symptoms around Christmas, and subsequent return to normal liver function and decline in viral load, when can seroconversion reasonably be expected, if it is to happen?  

Your knowledge and insight would be deeply appreciated, thank you.

[cajim]

You are on your way to full recovery!  Monitor your HBsAB till it turns positive.  Congratulations!

[HepCat26]

My latest results are as follows:

Liver function all normal
Hep B Surface Antigen NEG
Hep B Surface Antibody NEG
Hep B E-antigen NEG
Hep B E-anitbody POS
Hep B Core Antibody POS

Does this mean I am in the window period now? Thx for your help?

[HepCat26]

ok, that's what I figured...yes I am taking good care of myself...not working, sleeping whenever I feel the need...taking milk thistle...no alcohol...extremely healthy diet and light exercise...thanks for your help and the help and good advice you share with others here...it's kind of you.

[cajim]

"Here is my question. Given the approximately two months of symptoms preceding the peak of the symptoms around Christmas, and subsequent return to normal liver function and decline in viral load, when can seroconversion reasonably be expected, if it is to happen? "

--3 to 6 months, could be longer.  What you can do is rest well and be liver friendly.  Let your immune clear the virus.  After that you will be immune, like the 90-95% acute HBVers.