HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBV) CARRIER CLINIC -10 YEAR'S EXPERIENCE IN A BLOOD CENTER-

We established a special clinic (in 1985) for asymptomatic HBV carriers detected through blood donation. The main purpose of this clinic was the early detection and treatment of chronic hepatitis. In 10 years 3, 367 notified carriers detected from over two million blood donors visited our clinic after attending an orientation seminar. The HBsAg-positive rate among first-time donors decreased from 3.0% to 1.2% during these 10 years. The overall HBeAg-positive rate in clinic visitors was 13.2%, and decreased with age. Elevated GPT levels were seen in 6.0% of clinic visitors, with a higher rate in HBeAgpositive carriers. HBsAg as tested with EIA disappeared in 40 cases (1.2%). HBeAg disappeared in 23 cases with elevated GPT. HCV antibody was detected in 16 cases. Carriers with elevated GPT or space-occupying lesions in the liver as detected by echography were referred to specialized hospitals. Of these, 166 (4.9%) cases were diagnosed as HBV-related liver disease, including 5 cases of hepatoma. Thus, regular follow-up in our HBV carrier clinic strongly contributed to the medical care of asymptomatic HBV carriers.