Liver Biopsy

[mangesh254]

My test results (test done in Jan'10)are as follows
Hbs ag - reactive(250 iu/ml), Hbeag reactive(22.3 iu/ml) HBV viral Load = 7.4 million iu/ml log value 6.87
USG abdomen is showing normal liver. AST= 36 & ALT = 48.
Had visited a Gastronaelogist he has prescribed liver Biopsy for the my condition. As per him even though my LFT is showing normal the unusually high viral load is a matter of concern.
Would like a 2nd opinion whether i should opt for Liver Biopsy? Is it compulsory to go for liver Biopsy before start of any medications?
Pls.... Help would appreciate suggestions from experienced guys from the forum.

[cajim]

It is a personal decision.  Some do and some don't.  Liver biopsy is a common procedure and the risk is very low, though not zero.  And it does answer your doctor's question about liver condition.

[mangesh254]

So should i go ahead with the liver biopsy ?
Thanks a lot for your useful comments.

[cajim]

You have HBeAg+ HBV and your high HBVDNA is expected.  Whether your liver is being hurt is uncertain.  Liver biopsy can answer that question.  Some patients with high HBVDNA but less then 2x upper limit ALT are monitored only until they become HBeAg- when HVDNA comes down.