Based on the histologic activity index (HAI) score of nontumorous liver tissue, patients were classified into 4 groups: those with minimal hepatitis (n 30) (i. e. with HAI scores of 1 - 4), those with mild hepatitis (n 79) (i. e., with HAI scores of 5 - 8), those with moderate hepatitis (n 154) (with HAI scores of 9 - 12), and those with severe hepatitis (n 10) (with HAI scores of 13-18).