Question

A 40-year-old man is incidentally found to be hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive on insurance screening. Further tests show HBeAg positive, HBV DNA high, ALT persistently elevated and no cirrhosis on FibroScan. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Start long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy and/or refer to a hepatologist

Answer

Reassure and discharge without follow-up

Answer

Give a short course of steroids

Answer

No treatment is indicated if HBeAg is positive

Answer

Treat acutely with interferon only for 4 weeks

Practice question

A 40-year-old man is incidentally found to be hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive on insurance screening. Further tests show HBeAg positive, HBV DNA high, ALT persistently elevated and no cirrhosis on FibroScan. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?