what is the meaning of my hbeag and Anti-Hbe result?

[gnely]

Hi everyone.. I'm new to this community but I've been visiting this site to read from your experiences and situations so I could learn more of hbv. I've been tested reactive for hbsag for the past 4 years already but I don't know how and when did I acquire hbv. I had an hbeag test dated december 21, 2004 and my result is 5.32 with a cut-off value of R>=0.10 but i don't have a test for anti-hbe that time. Just this month, I had a test again dated july 2,2008 with hbeag and this time with anti-hbe. my results are:
hbeag (eclia)  -> 3.100    Cut-off value 1.000 reactive
Anti-Hbe    -> 0.994      Cut-off value 1.000 gray zone
                                  
                                   AHBe count below the cut off value is considered REACTIVE.
                                   Result obtained is in the gray zone(indeterminate) area.

I want to ask what could the result of my Anti-Hbe mean? I also want to ask if there is an improvement of my status by comparing my results of hbeag a long time ago and now? Does it yield a good result? I'm hoping for your view and advice..Thanks in advance..

[gnely]

>>>How often will you have your blood drawn for panels?

every  6 mos. but if my doctor would require me certain tests, i'll be doing it asap.

Actually I'm confused on what to do..to go on with the study or not.. I don't want to miss the chance of being a part of the study where I can avail the medicines for free because it's expensive and we can't afford it.. I'm afraid with the side effects of the medicines.. but i want to get well so that i'll be hired in a job that I'll be applying for. Last month the company that I am applying in failed me in my Physical exam because of my hbsag that is reactive even if I am classified as class B already..and so I was not hired.

[Ann8]

Any reason given by yr Dd why she wants to treat you now? You need to know which stage you are in before considering treatment.....

[gnely]

I reside in Philippines..

[zellyf]

Since you are so young and e-antigen positive I would wait a while to see if you will naturally seroconvert the e-antigen.  It looks like you're almost there already.

How often will you have your blood drawn for panels?

[cajim]

When you agree to be a subject of a study, you probably will be randomly assigned to Hepsera or Baraclude.  If you are not in a study:

1.  It is already known that Baraclude is much more potent and that Hepsera in larger dosage may hurt your kidney.

2.  Both medications don't cure, only suppress VL and stopping taking them involves many issues.

3.  As Ann8 indicated, you are very young and resistance is better planned for now than when it is here.

4.  There are four phases of chronic Hep B.  The best that can happen to you will be that of an inactive carrier for the rest of your life:

"Inactive carriers forms the largest group in chronic HBV infected patients. Around 300 million people are inactive carriers The inactive HBsAg carrier state is diagnosed by absence of HBeAg and presence of anti-HBe, undetectable or low levels of HBV DNA in PCR-based assays, repeatedly normal ALT levels, and minimal or no necroinflammation, slight fibrosis, or even normal histology on biopsy [3,4]. Inactive cirrhosis may be present in patients who had active liver disease during the replicative phase of infection. The prognosis of the inactive HBsAg carrier state is usually benign. Long-term follow- up (up to 18 years) of these carriers has indicated that the vast majority show sustained biochemical remission and very low risk of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [40-42].

[Ann8]

Since you are so young, drug resistance profile is very important. Hepsera having poor resistance profile, I don't think it is suitable for you. You have to worry about the emergence of resistence and rescue therapy. Of course, not everybody will have the similar issue. Current 1st line treatment call for Baraclude or Tenofovir or combo therapy. Where are u reside?