Hepatitis B (arthralgias)

Arthralgias / Arthritis associated with Acute or Chronic Hep B

Acute Hep B  —  ↑ ALT / AST (usually >400).  Diagnose by:
  • HepB surface Antigen (HBsAg)
  • Anti-HepB core IgM Antibody (Anti-HBcAB IgM)
Chronic Hep B:  ALT / AST may be minimally ↑ or even normal
  • Dx:    HBsAg Pos
  • Anti-HepB core IgG Antibody Pos, IgM negative
  • [actually, IgM fraction may be Pos during a flare]

See also postings Chronic Hepatitis and Polyarthralgias.