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In a clinical study, patients with infectious hepatitis, including viral hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, are followed for 5 years. During that time, prothrombin time, serum AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and ammonia are periodically measured. A liver biopsy is performed each year, and the microscopic findings are recorded. Which of the fol- lowing is most likely the best predictor of whether a patient with viral hepatitis will develop chronic liver disease that pro- gresses to cirrhosis?
A.
Degree to which hepatic transaminase enzymes are elevated
B.
Length of time that hepatic enzymes remain elevated
C.
Presence of chronic inflammatory cells in the portal tract
D.
Presence of inflammatory cells in the hepatic sinusoid
E.
Specific form of hepatitis virus responsible for the infection