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]

Yes.. I've shown my supplements to the doctor and she said its ok to take those for now but as soon as I'll be starting with the treatment I should stop taking those supplements, she said. As for my treatment, I still don't know which of the two( hepsera or baraclude ) will I be taking because I am enrolled in a study and she said the medicine that I'll be taking is randomly chosen. She said the two medicines are good ones and I shouldn't worry.
I would also ask my doctor regarding the medicine Hepsera and Baraclude.. which would be best to take.. Why did you say hepsera is not a good thing to start with for my treatment?

[Ann8]

That's what I suspected as yr ALT dropped so much......Pls do let yr dr knows about it as all these medication will affect the blood test especially yr ALT level. This is very tricky as it affects the judgement - treat vs no treat. Dr has to look at yr ALT+DNA VL to decide on the treatment effectiveness. You probably do not need treatment yet. If you do, you have to be clear on your HBV status w/o all these medication. Hepsera is not a good thing to start with....probably baraclude is better choice.

[gnely]

thanks cajim.. i'll be monitoring my condition with my doctor.. take care..

[gnely]

I am turning 23 this coming august.. I am taking herbal supplements just last month.. its active ingredient is reishi mushroom. I'm also taking other supplement w/c is complete with vitamins & minerals for the body, just started taking last last month,i think that was may 21. My doctor have seen already my hbv-dna result and she said that she'll just call me if we will start the treatment. I'll take either hepsera or baraclude she said..

[cajim]

>>>HBV-DNA was:   16,100 IU/ML (93, 702 COPIES/ML) What is the meaning of my result?

It meant there was some viral activity.  Your condition is manageable by antiviral drugs or IFN.  As long as you are under the care of your doctor, you will benefit from the appropriate treatment that modern medicine has to offer.

Best.

[Ann8]

Based on the data provided, I would say yr dr would choose to monitor you for a bit longer as yr ALT and DNA VL still consider below the treatment start level. Current limit for treatment ~ 20,000IU/ML with elevated ALT for a +ve antigen. How old are u? Do you currenly taking any medication/supplement?