The prognostic value of the test of inhibition of leukocytic migration when the antigen of hepatitis B is present in acute hepatitis

The response of cellular immunity to the presence of the HB antigen was studied by the test of inhibition of leukocytic migration in 22 patients suffering from acute hepatitis (10 cases positive antigen HB, and 17 control cases with negative antigen HB). The test was positive in 5 of the 10 cases of hepatitis presenting positive antigen HB. All of these 5 cases evolved favorably. Two cases presented a course towards chronic hepatitis, with the antigen persistently positive and the test negative. Two other cases evolved in the form of prolonged acute hepatitis, and the last case died of fulminating hepatitis. The test was positive in 3 of the 12 cases of acute hepatitis with negative antigen HB and in 2 of the 17 control cases. The possible prognostic value of the test in acute hepatitis with positive antigen HB is discussed.