Persistence of hepatitis B virus DNA in the liver after loss of HBsAg in chronic hepatitis B

Regression of liver fibrosis after HBsAg loss: A prospective matched case-control evaluation using transient elastography and serum enhanced liver fibrosis test

BACKGROUND AND AIM

We assessed the effect of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance (HBsAg-loss) on liver fibrosis regression in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection.

METHOD

CHB patients with recent documented HBsAg-loss were age- and gender-matched with treatment-naïve HBeAg-negative CHB infection. Paired assessment with transient elastography and enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) measurements were performed and repeated at 3 years. Fibrosis regression was arbitrarily defined as decrease in ≥ 1 fibrosis stage by ELF, or combining with reduction > 30% in liver stiffness.

RESULTS

A total of 142 HBsAg-loss and 142 CHB subjects were recruited (median age 58.1 years, 51.4% male). A total of 1.8% (1.4% HBsAg-loss vs 2.1% CHB) achieved combined endpoint of fibrosis regression at 3 years. When ELF-only definition of fibrosis regression was used, 14.5% HBsAg-loss and 16.9% CHB subjects achieved this endpoint, which was significantly associated with baseline ELF (hazard ratio (HR) 1.827, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.085-3.075) and time since HBsAg-loss (HR 2.688, 95% CI 1.257-5.748). While increasing time since HBsAg-loss increased the proportion of ELF-defined fibrosis regression, increasing age was also associated with significant fibrosis. Age of achieving HBsAg-loss (ageSC) was independently associated with high baseline ELF values. Up to 52.3% and 63.8% subjects with ageSC > 50 had advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis at baseline and 3 years, respectively, compared with 5.9% and 20.6% in subjects with ageSC < 50.

CONCLUSION

Fibrosis regression occurred in a minority of subjects achieving HBsAg-loss, which was not significantly different compared with subjects with persistent overt CHB. Subjects after achieving HBsAg-loss, especially among those with ageSC > 50, should receive ongoing surveillance for liver-related complications.

Long-term antiviral therapy is associated with changes in the profile of transcriptionally active HBV integration in the livers of patients with CHB

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration exists throughout the clinical course of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study investigated the effects of long-term antiviral therapy on the level and profiles of transcriptionally active HBV integration. Serial liver biopsies and paired blood samples were obtained from 16, 16, and 22 patients with CHB at baseline, 78, and 260 weeks of entecavir monotherapy or combined with pegylated interferon alfa, respectively. Serum HBV biomarkers were longitudinally assessed. RNA-seq and HIVID2 program was used to identify HBV-host chimeric RNAs transcribed from integrated DNA. The counts of HBV integration reads were positively related to both serum HBV DNA levels (r = 0.695, p = 0.004) and HBeAg titers (r = 0.724, p = 0.021) at baseline, but the positive correlation exited only to the serum HBsAg levels after 260 weeks of antiviral therapy (r = 0.662, p = 0.001). After 78 weeks of antiviral therapy, the levels of HBV integration expression decreased by 12.25 folds from baseline. The viral junction points were enriched at the S and HBx genes after the long-term antiviral therapy. HBs-FN1 became one of the main transcripts, with the mean proportion of HBs-FN1 in all integrated expression increased from 2.79% at baseline to 10.54% at Week 260 of antiviral treatment. Antiviral therapy may reduce but not eliminate the HBV integration events and integration expression. Certain integration events, such as HBs-FN1 can persist in long-term antiviral treatment.

Novel strategies for the early diagnosis of hepatitis B virus reactivation

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation under systemic chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy is a serious complication among HBV-resolved patients. Some medications, such as more than 2 weeks of corticosteroid therapy, can influence HBV reactivation; therefore, screening tests that measure hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody, and hepatitis B surface antibody before therapy are required. Additionally, because HBV reactivation has been reported in patients positive for HBsAg treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the prophylactic administration of nucleos(t)ide analogues prior to administering ICIs is recommended for HBsAg-positive patients. Under these circumstances, highly sensitive novel biomarkers are expected to be used for the early diagnosis of HBV reactivation. A fully automated high-sensitivity HBsAg assay (detection limit: 5 mIU/ml) by Lumipulse HBsAg-HQ, with 10-fold higher sensitivity than that of conventional assays, is currently used. Furthermore, ultra-sensitive HBsAg assays using a semi-automated immune complex transfer chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (ICT-CLEIA; detection limit: 0.5 mIU/ml) have been developed. Recently, a fully automated, novel high-sensitivity hepatitis B core-related antigen assay (iTACT-HBcrAg; cut-off value: 2.1 Log U/mL) has been developed and reported. The utility of ICT-CLEIA and iTACT-HBcrAg for the diagnosis of HBV reactivation appears comparable to the use of HBV DNA. In this review, we provide the latest information related to medications that influence HBV reactivation and recently developed novel biomarkers that predict and monitor HBV reactivation.

Prevalence of occult HBV infection in Western countries

Due to a lack of standardized tests, it is difficult to obtain prevalence data and define the real impact of occult HBV infection (OBI) in Western countries. The present review article addresses the prevalence of OBI, defined as presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in liver tissue or plasma in HBsAg-negative subjects, in Western countries. This varies in different studies according to the different methodologies used (based on serology vs virology), to the sample analyzed for the diagnosis (liver tissue vs plasma), to the different populations studied, to the different geographical variations in the HBV spread, to the host characteristics (age, gender, risk factors for acquiring HBV infection) and to the presence of other parenteral infections (hepatitis C virus and/or human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infections). Considering the different liver diseases analyzed, that is in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis or advanced liver fibrosis, the prevalence of OBI ranges 4% to 38%. Considering the different populations studied, in the case of parenteral blood exposure it is about 45%, in patients with chronic hepatitis C it is estimated at about 52%, in HIV-infected patients it ranges from 0% to 45%, in blood donors from 0% to 22.7% and in hemodialysis patients it ranges from 0% to 54%. In conclusion, OBI is a virological entity to be considered when performing the patient's evaluation for immunosuppressive diseases, liver pathologies, or for blood transfusions. Knowing the prevalence and clinical impact of OBI will allow better patient management.

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation Potentiated by Biologics

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation can be a serious complication for patients with chronic or resolved HBV infection when treated with biologics. For HBsAg-positive patients receiving biologics, the risk of HBV reactivation is moderate to high. HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc positive patients are at lower risk of HBV reactivation than HBsAg-positive patients. However, patients taking anti-CD20 agents, such as rituximab, have high risk of HBV reactivation (>10%), so antiviral prophylactic therapies are required. This review provides the different classes of biologics associated with HBV reactivation, stratifies the various reactivation risk levels by HBV status and biologic agent, and discusses management strategies.

An estimation of the prevalence of occult HBV infection in Western Europe and in Northern America: A meta-analysis

Data on the prevalence of occult HBV infection (OBI) in Western Europe and in Northern America are few; hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. All studies included had to fulfil the following inclusion criteria: (a) they investigated the prevalence of OBI (HBV DNA in liver tissue in HBsAg-negative subjects), (b) were carried out in Western Europe and in Northern America; (c) were available as a full-text manuscript, (d) written in English and (e) published up to December 2018. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (a) meta-analyses, letters, reviews, meeting abstracts or editorial comments; (b) studies investigating HBsAg-positive patients; (c) those investigating OBI outside Western Europe and in Northern America; and (d) to avoid small sample bias in the random-effects model, those enrolling less than five subjects. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria, allowing a meta-analysis on 2729 patients. The overall prevalence of OBI was 34% (95% CI = 26%-42%), 28% (CI 95%: 12%-48%) in 329 subjects without chronic liver disease and 35% (95% CI 26%-44%) in 2400 patients with chronic liver disease. The prevalence of OBI was 51% (95% CI 40%-62%) in the 823 anti-HBc-positive subjects and 19% (95% CI 10%-30%) in the 1,041 anti-HBc-negative subjects. Evaluating the data from 17 studies comparing anti-HBc-positive and negative subjects, the prevalence of OBI was higher in the 641 anti-HBc-positive subjects than in the 1041 anti-HBc-negative (prevalence ratio = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.61-3.26, P < .001). This meta-analysis showed that in HBsAg-negative subjects the prevalence of OBI was high and was associated with anti-HBc positivity.

Durability of Spontaneous and Treatment-Related Loss of Hepatitis B s Antigen

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) from serum is the most desirable end point and a proposed definition of functional cure for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, little is known about the long-term durability of HBsAg loss, and there is controversy over whether the development of antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs) is required for maintenance. We aimed to assess the durability of spontaneous or treatment-related (interferon or nucleos(t)ide analogue [NA]) loss of HBsAg.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of patients with chronic HBV infection followed up at the National Institutes of Health from February 1980 through November 2017. We identified those with HBsAg loss, confirmed on 2 visits at least 24 weeks apart. Patients with hepatitis C virus, hepatitis D virus, human immunodeficiency virus, or human T lymphocyte virus co-infection or HBsAg loss after liver transplantation were excluded. Patients were assigned to the following groups: spontaneous clearance (cleared HBsAg without ever receiving treatment or those who received treatment with a NA or interferon and discontinued therapy >5 years before HBsAg loss), interferon-treated (cleared HBsAg either during treatment or ≤5 years after stopping interferon), and NA-treated (cleared HBsAg either during treatment or ≤5 years after stopping NA).

RESULTS

Among the 787 HBsAg-positive patients, 89 achieved HBsAg loss; 65 of 89 had confirmed HBsAg loss, which was spontaneous in 19 of the patients (29%), after interferon in 22 (34%), and after NA in 24 (37%). Of the 65 patients with confirmed loss of HBsAg, 62 patients (95%) remained HBsAg negative after a mean time of 9.6 years from the first negative HBsAg test result. HBsAg seroreversion occurred in 3 of the 46 treated patients (7%) (1 interferon and 2 NA), 1 of whom was positive for anti-HBs. At the time of HBsAg loss, 33 of 65 (51%) were anti-HBs positive. At the last follow-up evaluation, anti-HBs was detectable in 50 of the 62 patients (81%) assessed. The rate of development of anti-HBs was proportionally higher among interferon-treated patients (19 of 21; 90%) than NA-treated patients (17 of 22; 77%) or patients with spontaneous loss of HBsAg (14 of 19; 74%).

CONCLUSIONS

In a retrospective study of 787 HBsAg-positive patients, loss of HBsAg (either spontaneous or after treatment) was confirmed in 8% and was durable. Seroconversion to anti-HBs increased over time and appeared to be more frequent after interferon treatment. HBsAg loss is therefore a robust end point for functional cure.

Serum Mac-2-binding protein (M2BPGi) as a marker of chronological liver fibrosis in biliary atresia patients with cirrhosis

PURPOSE

Biliary atresia (BA) is characterized by progressive liver fibrosis, but it is difficult to assess the progression after the patient develops cirrhosis. Mac-2-binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is a new marker for hepatic fibrosis. We examined the chronological changes in M2BPGi levels in BA patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

Patients with cirrhosis were selected from among pediatric BA patients who had their native livers. Serum M2BPGi levels and Child-Pugh classification were evaluated. A total of 11 pediatric BA patients with cirrhosis were recruited.

RESULTS

Initial M2BPGi level after diagnosis of liver cirrhosis based on liver biopsy was on average 3.4, and the most recent M2BPGi level under observation was on average 4.3. The follow-up period from the initial M2BPGi measurement averaged 22.6 months. The ratio of the initial and most recent values (M2BPGi ratio) was on average 1.3 (0.5-2.4). Three cases with improved fibrosis (M2BPGi ratio < 1.0) remained in Child A, as did six cases (1.0 ≤ M2BPGi ratio < 2.0), but two cases with marked fibrosis progression (2.0 ≤ M2BPGi ratio) advanced to decompensated cirrhosis Child B.

CONCLUSION

M2BPGi is useful as a prognostic factor for BA patients with liver cirrhosis. In addition, fibrosis improved even after the development of cirrhosis.

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection in patients with hemo-lymphoproliferative diseases, and its prevention

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication is characterized by increased HBV-DNA serum values of about 1 log or by HBV DNA turning positive if previously undetectable in serum, possibly associated with liver damage and seldom life-threatening. Due to HBV reactivation, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative/anti-HBc-positive subjects may revert to HBsAg-positive. In patients with hemo-lymphoproliferative disease, the frequency of HBV reactivation depends on the type of lymphoproliferative disorder, the individual's HBV serological status and the potency and duration of immunosuppression. In particular, it occurs in 10%-50% of the HBsAg-positive and in 2%-25% of the HBsAg- negative/anti-HBc-positive, the highest incidences being registered in patients receiving rituximab-based therapy. HBV reactivation can be prevented by accurate screening of patients at risk and by a pharmacological prophylaxis with anti-HBV nucleo(t)sides starting 2-3 wk before the beginning of immunosuppressive treatment and covering the entire period of administration of immunosuppressive drugs and a long subsequent period, the duration of which depends substantially on the degree of immunodepression achieved. Patients with significant HBV replication before immunosuppressive therapy should receive anti-HBV nucleo(t)sides as a long-term (may be life-long) treatment. This review article is mainly directed to doctors engaged every day in the treatment of patients with onco-lymphoproliferative diseases, so that they can broaden their knowledge on HBV infection and on its reactivation induced by the drugs with high immunosuppressive potential that they use in the care of their patients.

Fibrosis evolution in chronic hepatitis B e antigen-negative patients across a 10-year interval

The degree of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection influences outcome and management. Existing data describing the long-term dynamic changes of liver fibrosis are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the evolution of liver fibrosis in CHB across a 10-year period. CHB patients with liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography 10 years ago were recruited for follow-up LSM. Fibrosis stages were classified according to EASL-ALEH guidelines. Fibrosis progression/regression was arbitrarily defined as ≥1 fibrosis stage change from baseline. A total of 459 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients (224 untreated, 235 treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues [NAs]) were recruited. The mean age at baseline LSM was 41.7 ± 9.0 years (56.2% male). Over 10 years, the proportion of patients with advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis significantly reduced from 16.3% to 5.7% (P < 0.001). Fibrosis progression and regression were observed in 8.7% and 37.5%, respectively. No treatment with NAs (OR 2.259, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.032-4.945), metabolic syndrome (OR 4.379, 95% CI: 1.128-16.999) and hepatic steatosis (OR 7.799, 95% CI: 2.271-26.776) was associated with fibrosis progression. Liver stiffness decline demonstrated positive correlation with the time after HBsAg seroclearance (r = -0.50, P < 0.001). Median liver stiffness was higher both at baseline (14.0 vs 6 kPa, P < 0.001) and 10 years (9.1 vs 4.9 kPa, P < 0.001) in patients with cirrhosis-related complications/hepatocellular carcinoma compared with those without. In conclusion, CHB-related liver fibrosis changed dynamically across 10 years. Metabolic syndrome and hepatic steatosis were associated with fibrosis progression, while antiviral therapy was associated with fibrosis regression. Patients with HBsAg seroclearance demonstrated time-dependent decline in liver stiffness.

The prevalence and significance of isolated hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) in endemic population

OBJECTIVE

There are three major serologic markers for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection: hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs); and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). HBV screening programs, however, often test only HBsAg and anti-HBs, missing those individuals who have anti-HBc as the only detectable marker. Isolated anti-HBc can represent chronic infection in which HBsAg is not detectable by serology. We, therefore, investigated the prevalence of isolated anti-HBc in an ethnic community at moderate to high risk for HBV infection.

RESULTS

Of 7157 Korean American adults in New Jersey, 2736 (38.2%) lacked anti-HBs, potentially susceptible to HBV. Of these 2736 subjects, 771 subjects had anti-HBc. The prevalence of isolated anti-HBc increased with age: 0.8% (age 21-30); 2.4% (age 31-40); 6.05% (age 41-50); 11.7% (age 51-60); 18.3% (age 61-70); and 24.5% (age 71-91). Similarly, the percentage of the individuals with isolated anti-HBc in anti-HBs lacking subjects showed a striking age dependence. We conclude that serologic HBV screening should include anti-HBc to accurately assess the prevalence of HBV exposure. Serologic screening with only HBsAg and anti-HBs may overestimate the prevalence of non-immune population. It can also underestimate the prevalence of HBV and increase the risk of HBV reactivation during immunosuppression.

Programmed cell death-1 3'-untranslated region polymorphism is associated with spontaneous clearance of hepatitis B virus infection

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific CD8+ T cells play an important role in the clearance of HBV infection. Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), an immunosuppressive molecule that regulates T-cell activation and peripheral immune tolerance, is increasingly shown to influence the outcome of HBV infection. rs10204525, a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of PD-1, has been associated with susceptibility and disease progression of chronic HBV infection in far-eastern patients. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of rs10204525 variation on HBV infection in Moroccan patients. A total of 236 patients with chronic HBV infection and 134 individuals with spontaneous HBV resolution were genotyped using a Taqman assay. In addition, PD-1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood nuclear cells was determined by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. We found that the AA genotype is protective (odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.19 to 0.97; P = 0.038) against HBV infection. Interestingly, PD-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression analysis has revealed that chronic HBV carriers with GG and GA displayed higher levels of PD-1 mRNA compared with corresponding genotypes in resolved subjects (P = 0.031 and 0.014, respectively). Our data suggest that Mediterranean HBV-infected patients carrying PD-1 GG and GA genotypes at rs10204525 have high PD-1 mRNA expression and may be more prone to installation of chronicity.

Analysis of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using high-sensitivity HBsAg assays in hepatitis B virus carriers in whom HBsAg seroclearance was confirmed by conventional assays

AIM

We investigated the utility of high-sensitivity hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) assays compared with conventional HBsAg assays.

METHODS

Using serum samples from 114 hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers in whom HBsAg seroclearance was confirmed by conventional HBsAg assays (cut-off value, 0.05 IU/mL), the amount of HBsAg was re-examined by high-sensitivity HBsAg assays (cut-off value, 0.005 IU/mL). Cases negative for HBsAg in both assays were defined as consistent cases, and cases positive for HBsAg in the high-sensitivity HBsAg assay only were defined as discrepant cases.

RESULTS

There were 55 (48.2%) discrepant cases, and the range of HBsAg titers determined by high-sensitivity HBsAg assays was 0.005-0.056 IU/mL. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of nucleos(t)ide analog therapy, liver cirrhosis, and negative anti-HBs contributed to the discrepancies between the two assays. Cumulative anti-HBs positivity rates among discrepant cases were 12.7%, 17.2%, 38.8%, and 43.9% at baseline, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years, respectively, whereas the corresponding rates among consistent cases were 50.8%, 56.0%, 61.7%, and 68.0%, respectively. Hepatitis B virus DNA negativity rates were 56.4% and 81.4% at baseline, 51.3% and 83.3% at 1 year, and 36.8% and 95.7% at 3 years, among discrepant and consistent cases, respectively. Hepatitis B surface antigen reversion was observed only in discrepant cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Re-examination by high-sensitivity HBsAg assays revealed that HBsAg was positive in approximately 50% of cases. Cumulative anti-HBs seroconversion rates and HBV-DNA seroclearance rates were lower in these cases, suggesting a population at risk for HBsAg reversion.

Low-level viremia and the increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients receiving entecavir treatment

The long-term clinical impact of low-level viremia (LLV; <2,000 IU/mL) is not well understood. As a result, it is unclear whether the development of LLV during entecavir monotherapy requires a change in therapy. A retrospective cohort of 875 treatment-naive chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) monoinfected patients (mean age 47.7 years, male = 564 [65.5%], cirrhosis = 443 [50.6%]) who received entecavir monotherapy were analyzed for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC risk was compared between patients who maintained virological response (MVR), defined by persistently undetectable HBV DNA (<12 IU/mL), and patients who experienced LLV, defined by either persistent or intermittent episodes of <2,000 IU/mL detectable HBV DNA. During a median 4.5 years of follow-up (range 1.0-8.7 years), HCC was diagnosed in 85 patients (9.7%). HCC developed more frequently in patients who experienced LLV than MVR (14.3% versus 7.5% at 5 years, P = 0.015). The hazard ratio comparing those with LLV to MVR was 1.98 (95% confidence interval = 1.28-3.06, P = 0.002, adjusted for age, sex, hepatitis B e antigen, baseline HBV DNA levels, and cirrhosis). Among patients with cirrhosis, those with LLV exhibited a significantly higher HCC risk than those with MVR (HCC incidence rate at 5 years 23.4% versus 10.3%, adjusted hazard ratio = 2.20, 95% confidence interval 1.34-3.60; P = 0.002). However, for patients without cirrhosis, there was no significant difference in the HCC risk between LLV and MVR.

CONCLUSION

LLV observed during entecavir monotherapy was associated with a higher risk of HCC, especially for those with cirrhosis, indicating that LLV during potent antiviral therapy is consequential. (Hepatology 2017;66:335-343).

Efficacy of prophylactic antiviral therapy and outcomes in HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive patients receiving chemotherapy: a real-life experience

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative, anti-HBc-positive patients who received immunosuppressive therapies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive patients with hematological diseases or solid tumors who underwent immunosuppressive therapies and were referred because of positive baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV) serology or HBV reactivation. The referral date was according to the judgment of the treating physician at the time of identification of any signs of HBV infection.

RESULTS

We included 55 HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive patients. Of these, 31 received antiviral prophylaxis (group 1), whereas 24 patients did not receive any anti-HBV agent (group 2). The majority of patients [49/55 (89%)] had hematological malignancies and most of them 39/55 (71%) received rituximab-containing regimens. Lamivudine was used as antiviral prophylaxis in 13/31 (42%) patients of group 1. One patient in this group experienced HBV reactivation and was treated successfully with tenofovir add-on therapy. All patients in the second group experienced HBV reactivation and most of them [19/24 (79%)] were treated with tenofovir or entecavir as rescue therapy. Two of these patients (one of the tenofovir/entecavir subgroup and one of the lamivudine subgroup) eventually died because of hepatic failure despite rescue treatment.

CONCLUSION

Patients with serological markers of previous HBV infection are still at risk for HBV reactivation. Screening of both anti-HBs and anti-HBc is mandatory before chemotherapy. Pre-emptive antiviral prophylaxis, including lamivudine, is highly effective in all subgroups of such patients, whereas deferring treatment upon HBV reactivation is not enough to rescue all cases.

PREVALENCE OF OCCULT HEPATITIS B INFECTION IN IRANIAN CANCER PATIENTS BEFORE CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT

BACKGROUND

Occult hepatitis B infection is characterized by negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and also detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) -DNA, with or without hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). HBV reactivation in individuals under immunosuppressive therapy is critical, occurring in occult HBV.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of occult HBV infection among hepatitis B surface antigen negative in cancer patients before receiving chemotherapy.

METHODS

Sera from 204 cancer patients who were negative for HBsAg, were tested for anti-HBc antibodies. The samples that were negative for HBsAg but positive for anti-HBc also examined for HBV-DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

Of the 204 HBsAg negative blood samples, 11 (5.4%) samples were positive for anti-HBc antibodies. HBV-DNA was detected in 9/11 (81%) of anti-HBc positive samples. Occult HBV infection in hematological cancers was more than solid cancers, 4.8% and 4.3% respectively. There was no significant difference in HBc antibody positivity based on vaccination, previous blood transfusions, history of familial hepatitis or biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, total and direct bilirubin levels) (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Screening of occult HBV infection by HBsAg, HBV DNA and anti HB core antibody should be suggested as a routine investigation in cancer patients before receiving chemotherapy.

Spontaneous resolution of de novo hepatitis B after living donor liver transplantation with hepatitis B core antibody positive graft: a case report

Background

Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)-positive graft is reported to cause de novo hepatitis B after liver transplantation with a probability of 38–100 % without prophylaxis. Hepatitis B surface antigen loss is reported to be achieved with a probability of only 3–8 % in the patients treated by antiviral agents. We present an extremely rare case of spontaneous resolution of de novo hepatitis B after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with HBcAb-positive graft.

Case presentation

An 8-year-old female patient underwent LDLT for end-stage biliary atresia using an HBcAb-positive left lobe graft. After transplantation, she did not receive any prophylactic agents for hepatitis B. Two years after LDLT, she was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B. Six years after LDLT, liver fibrosis and hepatitis activity were advanced and lamivudine was started. Two years after lamivudine administration, emergence of a lamivudine-resistant YMDD mutant was detected and adefovir dipivoxil was combined with lamivudine. Hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV-DNA) became undetectable soon after the addition of adefovir dipivoxil. Twelve years after transplantation, acute rejection occurred and steroid pulse therapy was performed, but hepatitis B did not become severe and HBV-DNA continued to be undetectable. Fifteen years after LDLT, she voluntarily discontinued medication of all drugs, including immunosuppressive agents and antiviral drugs for 1 year because of mental instability. After an interval of 1 year, liver function was normal and her serological HBV status was as follows: HBsAg(−), HBsAb(+), HBeAb(−), HBeAb(+), HBcAb(+) and HBV-DNA(−). From these results, we diagnosed her condition as spontaneous clearance of de novo hepatitis B. The patient is free of antiviral therapies and continues to take a low dose of immunosuppressive drugs and is leading a normal life.

Conclusions

In this case, HBsAg loss is finally achieved but we need to follow carefully for HBV reactivation with the fibrosis of the graft in mind.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: development of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients with hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance

BACKGROUND

The seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is considered to be associated with favourable clinical outcomes. However, previous studies with inconsistent findings reported that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) could still develop in those patients.

AIM

To establish the proportion of HCC occurrence in CHB patients after HBsAg seroclearance, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed.

METHODS

Databases of Medline, Web of Science and Embase were searched from inception to July 2015. The proportion of patients who developed HCC after HBsAg seroclearance was pooled by a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies were finally included, involving 34 952 patients with HBsAg seroclearance. The overall pooled proportion suggested that 2.29% (95% CI: 1.19-4.37%) CHB patients would develop HCC despite HBsAg seroclearance. In HBsAg seroclearance patients without cirrhosis and HCV co-infection, the pooled proportion of HCC development was 1.55% (95% CI: 0.92-2.61%). Moreover, patients with cirrhosis or age greater than 50 years at the time of HBsAg seroclearance were at significantly higher risk for HCC development. Nonetheless, the seroclearance of HBsAg was significantly associated with a reduced risk for HCC compared with persistently positive HBsAg (RR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.20-0.56, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite that HBsAg seroclearance can significantly reduce the risk for HCC, HCC can still develop in a proportion of CHB patient after HBsAg seroclearance. Closer attention should be paid to those patients with established cirrhosis or older age than 50 years at the time of HBsAg seroclearance.

Hepatitis B Reactivation During Immunosuppressive Therapy or Cancer Chemotherapy, Management, and Prevention: A Comprehensive Review-Screened

CONTEXT

Due to the close relationship between the immune system and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, it is essential to monitor patients with current or past HBV infection under any type of immunosuppression. Cancer chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapies in autoimmune diseases, and immunosuppression in solid organ and stem cell transplant recipients are the major reasons for hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr). In this review, the challenges associated with HBVr are discussed according to the latest studies and guidelines. We also discuss the role of treatments with different risks, including anti-CD20 agents, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, and other common immunosuppressive agents in various conditions.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Through an electronic search of the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases, we selected the studies associated with HBVr in different conditions. The most recent recommendations were collected in order to reach a consensus on how to manage patients at risk of HBVr.

RESULTS

It was found that the positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), the high baseline HBV DNA level, the positive hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg), and an absent or low hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titer prior to starting treatment are the most important viral risk factors. Furthermore, rituximab, anthracycline, and different types of TNF-α inhibitors were identified as the high-risk therapies. By analyzing the efficiency of prophylaxis on the prevention of HBVr, it was concluded that those with a high risk of antiviral resistance should not be used in long-term immunosuppressants. Receiving HBV antiviral agents at the commencement of immunosuppressant therapy or chemotherapy was demonstrated to be effective in decreasing the risk of HBVr. Prophylaxis could also be initiated before the start of therapy. For most immune suppressive regimes, antiviral therapy should be kept up for at least 6 months after the cessation of immunosuppressive drugs. However, the optimal time of prophylaxis keeping should be increased in cases associated with rituximab or hematopoietic stem cell transplants. According to the latest studies and guidelines from different bodies, recommendations regarding screening, monitoring, and management of HBVr are outlined.

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of patients at the risk of HBVr before immunosuppressive therapy is an undeniable part of treatment. Starting the antiviral therapy, based on the type of immunosuppressive drugs and the underlying disease, could lead to better management of disease.

Horizontal transmission of de novo hepatitis B between spouses: A case report

We report a female patient with acute hepatitis B due to horizontal transmission of hepatitis B virus from her husband, who suffered from de novo hepatitis B. A 48-year-old man underwent peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) for adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Nine months after the initial treatment, he was referred to our hospital because of jaundice. Laboratory data showed elevated serum aminotransferase levels and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity. We diagnosed de novo hepatitis B because a pre-PBSCT serum sample was negative for HBsAg and positive for anti-hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb). His liver function improved with entecavir therapy. Two months after his diagnosis of hepatitis B, his 31-year-old wife was admitted with fever and appetite loss. She was diagnosed with acute hepatitis B because of increased serum aminotransferase levels and HBsAg and immunoglobulin M HBcAb positivity. Sequencing of HBV DNA in the serum obtained from both patients showed 99.9% homology. Therefore, we diagnosed her acute hepatitis B as due to horizontal transmission of de novo hepatitis B from her husband. HBV derived from de novo hepatitis B should be considered a potential source of infection, although intrafamilial transmission of de novo hepatitis B is rare.

Giving rituximab in patients with occult or resolved hepatitis B virus infection: are the current guidelines good enough?

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after 'resolved' infection can occur in the setting of immunosuppression, including iatrogenically induced by anti-CD20 antibodies. The presence of antibodies against the HBV core antigen (anti-HBc) is a marker of risk for this phenomenon. The risk of this occurring in patients with circulating HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) is well characterized, but is less well characterized in patients who are HBsAg negative.

AREAS COVERED

This article reviews the literature regarding HBV reactivation in the context of rituximab therapy. We have limited our review to HBsAg-negative patients, and clinical outcomes following HBV reactivation.

EXPERT OPINION

We have recommended prophylactic anti-viral therapy for all HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive patients undergoing rituximab therapy in combination with other immunosuppressive therapy.

Effect of virological response to entecavir on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B viral cirrhotic patients: comparison between compensated and decompensated cirrhosis

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) according to underlying liver status and virological response (VR) to entecavir (ETV) in chronic hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis. Procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP) concentration during ETV treatment and its association with HCC development were also evaluated.

METHODS

A total of 306 patients with clinically diagnosed liver cirrhosis were treated with ETV for ≥12 months and were subsequently followed up for the occurrence of HCC (median follow-up duration: 37.0 months). Patients who developed HCC within 12 months were excluded. VR was defined as a hepatitis B virus DNA level <20 IU/ml at 12 months after ETV treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 209 patients (68.3%) had compensated cirrhosis, and the remaining patients (31.7%) had decompensated cirrhosis. The 5-year cumulative incidence of HCC was 26.8%. A multivariate Cox regression analysis identified the following independent risk factors for developing HCC in all the patients: age >50 years (hazard ratio (HR)=8.41; 95% confidence interval (CI)=3.86-18.28; P=0.000), male sex (HR=4.24; 95% CI=1.83-9.81; P=0.001), high serum PIIINP level at 12 months (HR=1.07; 95% CI=1.02-1.13; P=0.007), and no VR at 12 months (HR=2.10; 95% CI=1.02-4.33; P=0.043). The subgroup analyses showed that no VR at 12 months is a significant risk factor for developing HCC in the patients with decompensated cirrhosis (HR=7.74; 95% CI=1.34-44.78; P=0.022) but not in those with compensated cirrhosis (P=0.749).

CONCLUSIONS

The antiviral treatment with ETV did not completely eliminate the risk of developing HCC in our patients with cirrhosis. However, VR to ETV was associated with a low probability that the patients with decompensated cirrhosis would develop HCC.

Immunosuppression in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

After hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, HBV DNA persists in minute amounts in hepatocyte nuclei even in individuals with “resolved” infection. Viral replication and development of liver disease depend on the balance between viral mechanisms promoting persistence and host immune control. Patients with active or inactive disease or resolved HBV infection are at risk for reactivation with immunosuppressive therapy use. HBV reactivation varies from a clinically asymptomatic condition to one associated with acute liver failure and death. We review recent studies on HBV reactivation during immunomodulatory therapies for oncologic, gastroenterological, rheumatic, and dermatologic disorders. Risk calculation should be determined through HBV screening and assessment of immunosuppressive therapy potency. We also discuss monitoring for reactivation, prophylactic antiviral therapy, and treatment of reactivation. Prophylactic antiviral treatment is needed for all HBsAg carriers and selected patients who have anti-HBc without HBsAg and is critical for preventing viral reactivation and improving outcomes.

Management of patients with hepatitis B who require immunosuppressive therapy

Patients with chronic HBV infection are at risk of reactivation of HBV should they require immunosuppressive therapies for a variety of clinical settings, including chemotherapy for patients with cancer, immunosuppression for solid organ and stem cell transplant recipients, and use of anti-CD20 antibodies, TNF inhibitors, or corticosteroids in patients with oncological, gastrointestinal, rheumatological or dermatological conditions. The key to preventing HBV reactivation is the identification of patients with HBV infection prior to immunosuppressive therapy, initiation of prophylactic antiviral therapy in patients at moderate or high risk of HBV reactivation, and close monitoring of other patients so that antiviral therapy can be initiated at the first sign of HBV reactivation. Unfortunately, many patients infected with HBV are unaware of their infection or risk factors, and physicians often do not have sufficient time to systematically assess patients for risk factors for HBV prior to starting immunosuppressive therapy. In this article, we review the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of HBV reactivation, and the efficacy of antiviral therapy in preventing its occurrence. We also propose an algorithm for managing patients with HBV infection who require immunosuppressive therapy.

Changes in levels of hepatitis B virus markers in patients positive for low-titer hepatitis B surface antigen

AIM

  Recently, patients positive for the low-titer hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) have been found occasionally owing to the increase in the accuracy of detection methods. The aim of this study is to clarify the clinical status of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in patients positive for low-titer HBsAg.

METHOD

  Eight patients, who were positive for HBsAg at low titers and diagnosed as having acute HBV infection, were enrolled in this study. Assays of HBsAg, hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B e-antibody (anti-HBe), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) and HBV DNA, and biochemical tests were basically conducted every 4 weeks for at least 24 weeks.

RESULT

  The average cut-off index of HBsAg was 8.7 ± 9.6 (range, 1.0-25.7). All the patients were negative for anti-HBc, HBeAg, anti-HBe and HBV DNA on their initial visit. The genotype of HBV could be determined in four patients: two were infected with genotype B/HBV, one was infected with genotype A/HBV, and the remaining patient was infected with genotype C/HBV. Although HBsAg clearance was observed within 4 months in all the patients, none of the other HBV markers seroconverted during the observation period.

CONCLUSION

  HBV infection terminating with seronegativity for HBV markers may occur in transient HBV infection.

Virological and clinical characteristics on reactivation of occult hepatitis B in patients with hematological malignancy

The virological characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) implicated in the reactivation of occult hepatitis B in patients who have received hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation or chemotherapy for the hematological malignancy are not well defined. Twenty-eight HBsAg-negative patients who received hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation and 138 HBsAg-negative patients treated for malignant lymphoma with chemotherapy including rituximab were enrolled. Three of the 28 patients (10.7%) received hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation and one of the 138 (0.72%) patients treated for malignant lymphoma with chemotherapy developed de novo HBV hepatitis. Anti-HBc was detected in four and anti-HBs in two patients. Genotype Bj was detected in two and C in two of they all possessed wild-type sequences in the core promoter region. A precore stop mutation (A1896) was detected in a patient with genotype Bj who developed fulminant hepatic failure. HBV DNA was detected in pretreatment HBsAg-negative samples in two of four patients, and the HBV genome sequence identified from sera before chemotherapy and at the time of de novo HBV hepatitis showed 100% homology. In an in vitro replication model, genotype Bj with the A1896 clone obtained from a fulminant case had a replication level much higher than clones obtained from de novo hepatitis B patients with genotype Bj or C with G1896. In conclusion, this is the first report demonstrating de novo hepatitis B from the reactivation of occult HBV infection confirmed by molecular evolutional analysis. The fulminant outcome of HBV reactivation can be associated with genotype Bj exhibiting high replication due to the A1896 mutation.

Natural history of chronic HBV infection: special emphasis on the prognostic implications of the inactive carrier state versus chronic hepatitis

The evaluation of the natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection requires the precise definition of the various clinical conditions that can be encountered (i.e. inactive carrier state or subject with liver disease activity). This can be achieved by repeat monitoring of ALT, serum HBV-DNA levels (over a period of at least 1 year, according to international guidelines) and/or evaluation of HBsAg titre. Liver biopsy may offer additional information although it is not mandatory. Overall, the natural history of the true inactive carrier is benign: reactivation of hepatitis, especially in Western countries, is rare and is usually due to co-factors (like alcohol or drugs); spontaneous HBsAg loss is frequent (around 1% per year) and HCC development rare. On the other hand, in patients with chronic hepatitis B or cirrhosis, the risk of reactivation, of HCC development and of liver-related mortality is much higher, especially in Eastern countries, and should therefore lead to antiviral therapy.

Hepatitis B reactivation in patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy: diagnosis and management

Nearly one third of the world's population have been infected with hepatitis B and the virus is endemic in many Asian countries. With increasing life expectancy and the expected global increase in cancer, chemotherapy induced reactivation of hepatitis B is likely to become an increasing problem. Patients with significant levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum prior to chemotherapy and patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for hematological malignancies appear particularly at risk. Most patients who suffer reactivation of hepatitis B are positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prior to chemotherapy and are therefore easily identifiable by routine screening. In addition, the very large population of patients who have been exposed to the virus and have apparently cleared the virus as assessed by serological testing (HBsAg negative/hepatitis B core antibody [HBcAb] positive) may also be at risk of reactivation. These patients should be monitored and in some cases receive prophylaxis during chemotherapy. Published experience with antiviral prophylaxis has largely been limited to the nucleoside analogue, lamivudine. The commencement of antiviral prophylaxis prior to chemotherapy and its continuation until restitution of normal host immunity is the cornerstone to effective prevention of hepatitis B reactivation. This review summarizes the important issues related to HBV reactivation and suggests an algorithm for managing these patients in the clinical setting.

Influence of anti-HBc seropositivity on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in HCV-infected patients after adjusting for confounding factors

It is controversial whether past hepatitis B virus infection constitutes an additional risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The incidence of HCC between 1994 and 2004 was analysed among 1262 patients who were only positive for HCV. The cumulative incidence of HCC was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and the difference between two groups was assessed by the log-rank test. The effect of anti-HBc positivity on the risk of HCC was assessed with multivariate Cox proportional analysis. Anti-HBc was positive in 522 (41.4%) patients. The proportion of male patients (56.7 vs 46.8%, P < 0.001) and mean age (60.8 vs 56.9 years, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the anti-HBc positive group. HCC developed in 339 patients (mean follow-up 7.0 years), with cumulative incidence rates at 3, 5 and 10 years of 12.7, 24.5 and 41.9% in the anti-HBc positive group and 10.6, 17.7 and 33.4% in the negative group, respectively (P = 0.005). However, anti-HBc seropositivity did not reach statistical significance in multivariate analysis including age and gender (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.85-1.31; P = 0.63). Anti-HBc positivity and HCC incidence were confounded by male gender and older age.

[Comparison of lamivudine-induced HBsAg loss rate according to age in children with chronic hepatitis B]

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to establish the characteristics of children with hepatitis B e antigens (HBeAg) positive chronic hepatitis B who were cleared of hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) as a result of lamivudine treatment.

METHODS

Seventy-six children with chronic hepatitis B who were seropositive for HBeAg were treated with lamivudine for at least 6 months. HBeAg seroconversion occurred during treatment in 49 of these children, who were then followed up to assess their clearance of serum HBsAg. Various clinical variables were compared between those patients who were cleared of HBsAg and those who were not, including age, pretreatment serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, treatment duration, the time elapsed between initiation of treatment and ALT normalization, HBV DNA negativization, HBeAg seroconversion, and HBsAg clearance.

RESULTS

HBsAg disappeared in 13 of the 49 (26.5%) patients who experienced lamivudine-induced HBeAg seroconversion; HBsAg did not reappear during follow-up period (1-86 months). The time that elapsed between initiation of lamivudine treatment and total HBsAg clearance was 25.9+/-27.1 months (mean+/-SD; range: 5-104 months). The age at which treatment was initiated was the only factor associated with HBsAg clearance. Children who were cleared of HBsAg were significantly younger than those who were not (5.1+/-4.3 years vs. 7.9+/-4.9 years, respectively; P=0.006). All 13 of these patients eventually produced antibodies to HBsAg.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger children (age <7 years old) have a higher chance of HBsAg clearance than older children after the treatment of HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B with lamivudine.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Reactivation of resolved hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been reported in allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients, but its epidemiology is not well characterized. We performed a retrospective assessment of the timing and risk factors of HBV reactivation among patients with resolved HBV infection undergoing allogeneic HSCT between January 2000 and March 2008. HBV reactivation was defined as development of positive hepatitis B surface antigen after transplant. Among the 61 patients with resolved HBV infection before transplant (hepatitis B core antibody-positive, hepatitis B surface antigen-negative), 12 (19.7%) developed HBV reactivation. The cumulative probability of HBV reactivation 1, 2, and 4 years after transplant was 9.0%, 21.7%, and 42.9%, respectively. In a time-dependent Cox model, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of HBV reactivation for patients with pretransplant hepatitis B surface antibody levels <10 milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/mL) was 4.56 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-16.9) compared to those with levels > or =10 mIU/mL; the adjusted HR among patients who developed extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) was 7.21 (95% CI 1.25-41.5) compared to those who did not. HBV reactivation is a common late complication among allogeneic HSCT recipients with pretransplant resolved infection. Screening for HBV reactivation should be considered for at-risk HSCT recipients. In this cohort, HBV reactivation often developed in patients with cGVHD. Liver biopsy was useful in those patients with both to delineate the contribution of each to liver dysfunction.

Mortality secondary to fulminant hepatic failure in patients with prior resolution of hepatitis B virus infection in Japan

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients with resolved HBV infection was found in 23 (4%) of 552 newly hepatitis B surface antigen-positive patients in Japan. Because one-fourth of cases develop into fulminant hepatic failure and mortality is 100%, management of HBV reactivation in patients with resolved HBV infection should be discussed.

Reactivation of hepatitis B

Reactivation of hepatitis B refers to the abrupt increase in hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in a patient with inactive or resolved hepatitis B. Reactivation can occur spontaneously, but more typically is triggered by immunosuppressive therapy of cancer, autoimmune disease, or organ transplantation. Reactivation can be transient and clinically silent, but often causes a flare of disease that can be severe resulting in acute hepatic failure. Most instances of reactivation resolve spontaneously, but if immune suppression is continued, re-establishment of chronic hepatitis occurs which can lead to progressive liver injury and cirrhosis. The best-described instances of reactivation occur in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers with inactive or minimally active disease who are given cancer chemotherapy for lymphoma or leukemia. Typically, serum HBV DNA rises during chemotherapy, followed by a disease flare and HBV DNA clearance with immune reconstitution after chemotherapy is stopped. Special forms of reactivation occur after solid organ and bone marrow transplantation in which chronic infection often results. Several randomized, placebo-controlled trials have shown that reactivation can be prevented by antiviral prophylaxis. Routine prophylaxis is therefore recommended for persons with HBsAg undergoing cancer chemotherapy or transplantation, but major questions remain. Which patients should be screened for HBsAg and should all be treated? Which antiviral should be used and for how long? Should persons with resolved hepatitis B without HBsAg receive prophylaxis? Future research should address the underlying molecular mechanisms of reactivation as well as its optimal means of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in different patient populations.

HBsAg Seroclearance in chronic hepatitis B in Asian patients: replicative level and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Our aims were to study the virologic, histologic, and clinical outcome in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance.

METHODS

We determined the age of HBsAg seroclearance that is associated with a lower risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 298 CHB patients (median follow-up, 108 months). The following virologic and histologic features were also determined: liver stiffness (n = 229), liver histology, serum HBV DNA levels over time (n = 265), intrahepatic HBV DNA with covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) levels, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression.

RESULTS

The median age of HBsAg seroclearance was 49.6 years. Seven (2.4%) patients developed HCC. Cumulative risk for HCC was higher in patients with HBsAg seroclearance at ages >or=50 years compared with those with HBsAg seroclearance at ages <50 (P = .004) years. Of these 2 groups of patients, 29.5% and 7.9%, respectively, had significant fibrosis by liver stiffness measurement (P = .001), and 15.4% of patients had mild histologic fibrosis. Intrahepatic total HBV DNA and cccDNA were detected in 100% and 79.3% of patients, respectively. All patients had undetectable surface and precore/pregenomic RNA transcripts. One (9.1%) patient had X mRNA expression. Serum HBV DNA were detectable in 13.4%, 6.1%, and 3.7% of patients within 1 year and 5-10 and >10 years after HBsAg seroclearance, respectively, and 82.1% patients had persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels.

CONCLUSIONS

HBV persisted at low replicative and transcriptional levels after HBsAg seroclearance. HBsAg seroclearance at age <50 years was associated with a lower risk for the development of HCC.

Occult hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections

Occult HBV infection is a well-recognised clinical entity characterised by the detection of HBV-DNA in serum and/or in liver in the absence of detectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Occult HBV infection has been described not only in patients who have resolved an acute or chronic HBV infection but also in patients without any serological markers of a past HBV infection. Occult HBV infection in patients with chronic HCV infection may induce more severe liver disease and lower response rate to interferon treatment. The existence of occult HCV infections has been also reported more recently. Occult HCV infection is characterised by the presence of HCV-RNA in liver and peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the absence of detectable serum HCV-RNA. Occult HCV infection may occur under two different clinical situations: in hepatitis C antibody-(anti-HCV) negative and serum HCV-RNA-negative patients with abnormal liver function tests and in anti-HCV-positive patients who have no detectable serum HCV-RNA and who have normal liver enzymes. The clinical relevance of occult HCV infections is still under investigation.

Defining Optimal Therapeutic Outcomes in Chronic Hepatitis

The definition of optimal therapeutic response has been evolving concurrent with the advancement of diagnostic tests. What once was considered "therapeutic success" is considered now disease persistence or relapse. As the laboratory tools become increasingly sensitive, it follows that the criteria of successful therapeutic response are becoming more stringent. The main objectives of chronic hepatitis B and C treatment are to achieve eradication of the virus and, with this, reduction or prevention of hepatic injury and disease progression. However, in the case of hepatitis B, viral suppression is for the moment a more realistic therapeutic objective, although eradication still remains the ultimate goal. In chronic hepatitis C, sustained virologic response, defined as the absence of HCV RNA 6 months post-antiviral treatment completion, is within reach. Better test sensitivity allows for additional levels of confidence in the achievements of virus eradication in patients with hepatitis C. Challenges persist despite great advances in the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis. Now that clearer therapeutic outcomes have been refined, more efficacious, and better-tolerated drugs may change the current therapeutic landscape of chronic viral hepatitis B and C.

Treatment paradigms on hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B patients

The primary goal of treatment in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is potent and durable suppression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. It results in biochemical and histological remission of CHB and is the prerequisite for the prevention of cirrhosis, its life-threatening complications and hepatocellular carcinoma. Responses that are durable after the cessation of treatment are referred to as sustained virological responses, whereas those persisting under therapy are referred to as treatment-maintained virological responses. Treatment paradigms of sustained virological response in HBeAg-negative CHB are practically restricted to conventional IFN-alpha and pegylated interferons (peg-IFNs), and are limited only to patients with compensated liver disease. Long-lasting maintained virological responses without HBV resistance in HBeAg-negative CHB are achievable by all approved nucleos(t)ide analogues (lamivudine, adefovir and entecavir) in highly variable rates, depending on their potency, rapidity of virological response and genetic barrier to resistance. The maintenance of response under 5 years of adefovir treatment represents the most effective treatment paradigm for HBeAg-negative CHB, whereas such long-term data with entecavir and tenofovir monotherapy may become available in the near future. In patients with lamivudine-resistant HBV mutants, the recommended treatment strategy is to add adefovir at the same time as continuing treatment with lamivudine. There are no treatment paradigms as yet of combination therapy from the very outset with two nucleoside analogues for use in treatment-naive patients.

Natural course, therapeutic options and economic evaluation of therapies for chronic hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection afflicts 400 million people worldwide and untreated will progress to cirrhosis in 15-40% of individuals, with an associated increased risk for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The 'inactive carrier state' carries a benign prognosis with a very low risk of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis state is an active disease state with increased risk for progressing to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The HBeAg-negative mutant variety of chronic hepatitis B has been associated with a higher incidence of cirrhosis at initial presentation and more frequent progression to hepatocellular carcinoma compared with the wild-type hepatitis B. Five medications are currently approved by the US FDA for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B: interferon-alpha, lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil, entecavir and peginterferon-alpha-2a. Interferon-alpha therapy has been shown to increase the rate of HBeAg and hepatitis B DNA loss with a small chance of hepatitis B surface antigen loss, but has significant adverse effects and is ineffective against the HBeAg-negative mutant. Lamivudine is a safely used, orally administered drug with good efficacy, but is associated with the development of a lamivudine-resistant (Lam-R) mutant in a large proportion of patients after long-term therapy. High relapse rates after lamivudine therapy make this medication less effective in the HBeAg-negative mutant also. Adefovir dipivoxil is a safely used, orally administered drug, which is effective against the Lam-R mutant. Adefovir dipivoxil is effective against the wild-type and HBeAg-negative hepatitis B and has a very low incidence of resistance development. Entecavir is a highly potent and selective new oral drug against hepatitis B. It has demonstrated no resistance development in treatment-naive patients, but a low incidence of resistance in patients infected with prior Lam-R mutants. Peginterferon-alpha-2a is administered once weekly and has improved efficacy compared with standard interferon-alpha and lamivudine. However, it has a similar adverse-effect profile to standard interferon-alpha. Pharmacoeconomic studies have demonstrated a cost benefit in treating chronic hepatitis B patients compared with no therapy. However, results have been conflicting, with earlier studies showing a cost advantage of lamivudine over interferon-alpha and a more recent, comprehensive study favouring interferon-alpha monotherapy in HBeAg-negative patients and adefovir dipivoxil 'salvage' after lamivudine resistance development in HBeAg-positive patients.

Clinical characteristics and surgical outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma without hepatitis B virus surface antigen or hepatitis C virus antibody

OBJECTIVE

We investigated clinical characteristics and surgical outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma in association with hepatitis viral status. No consensus exists concerning differences in surgical outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma according to viral hepatitis status, especially those negative for hepatitis B virus surface antigen and antibody to hepatitis C virus.

METHODS

Clinicopathologic data were available for 39 hepatectomy patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were negative for hepatitis B virus surface antigen and hepatitis C virus antibody. Clinical characteristics and surgical outcome were analyzed retrospectively and compared to those patients with positive hepatitis viral markers.

RESULTS

Patients negative for viral hepatitis markers were more likely to have large, advanced-stages tumors with relatively well-preserved liver function and had a lower incidence of intrahepatic recurrences (P = 0.009). The intrahepatic recurrence rate reached a plateau at approximately 3 years after resection in patients with negative viral markers, while it continued to increase steadily in patients positive for viral hepatitis markers. By multivariable analysis, the absence of viral hepatitis markers predicted a decreased rate of intrahepatic recurrence (relative risk, 0.222; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate surgical resection in hepatocellular carcinoma patients negative for viral markers offers a good survival benefit, regardless of the etiology of the hepatocellular carcinoma.

Diagnosis and management of clinical and subclinical cobalamin deficiency: advances and controversies

Major recent developments in cobalamin deficiency include issues such as the nature of food-cobalamin malabsorption, sensitivities and specificities of diagnostic tests, and emerging data on oral therapy. These have been heavily influenced by studies of subclinical deficiency, which has a much slower progression (which may be nonlinear), arises from different causes, and poses different, more public health-oriented management considerations than the less frequent but much more medically important entity of clinically expressed deficiency. Distinguishing carefully between the two deficiency states is helpful because clinical lessons and strategies derived from one may not apply equally to the other, as illustrated by controversial decisions about clinical issues such as the serum cobalamin level diagnostic of deficiency. Reassessment of diagnostic and management approaches, including improving our ability to diagnose cobalamin malabsorption, is required.

Therapy of hepatitis B -- viral suppression or eradication?

The practicing clinician is currently faced with a number of treatment options for chronic hepatitis B. Beginning in 1998 with the licensing of lamivudine and subsequently adefovir, the treatment paradigm shifted from 4 to 6 months of conventional alfa interferon to a year of nucleoside analog therapy. However, prolonged treatment with nucleoside analogs is often needed to optimize virological response. Recently, a 48-week regimen of pegylated interferon for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B has been shown to be effective, and long-term nucleoside analog therapy has been demonstrated to maintain viral suppression. These findings have added to the complexity of decision-making and have raised questions about whether a finite course of pegylated interferon or nucleoside analog therapy, with possible long-term maintenance, is better as first-line therapy. Each of these fundamentally different approaches has advantages and limitations, and both have a place in the therapeutic armamentarium against chronic hepatitis B. Long-term therapy with nucleoside analogs, however, raises a number of practical concerns that have not been fully addressed as of yet. I will present evidence in support of the recommendation that antiviral therapy should ideally be directed toward achieving the highest rate of viral clearance with the shortest interval of treatment.

Evaluation of liver tissue by polymerase chain reaction for hepatitis B virus in patients with negative viremia

AIM: To assess the clinical significance of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA localization in the liver tissue of patients with positive HBsAg and negative viremia.

METHODS: HBV virological parameters of 33 HBsAg positive chronic hepatitis patients, including seromarkers and HBV DNA amplification in both sera and liver biopsies, were evaluated.

RESULTS: Ten patients had negative viremia and positive HBV DNA in their liver biopsies. Most of them had HBeAg-negative/HBeAb-positive chronic hepatitis. Their liver biochemical and histopathological profiles were different from the viremic patients. Their disease pattern was designated as “hepatitis B in situ”.

CONCLUSION: Hepatitis B in situ is a consequential entity which can be missed in clinical practice. It is a new clinical pattern of chronic HBV infection that considers HBV in liver biopsy and adds a new indication for antiviral therapy.

Functional analysis of hepatitis B virus reactivating in hepatitis B surface antigen-negative individuals

The biological properties of latent or occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) have been poorly characterized as a result of the extremely low virus concentration. This report describes the phenotype of HBV reactivating in two patients after an HBsAg-negative latency period. One patient had latent HBV infection for at least 12 years without detectable viremia and symptoms of liver disease. Several full-length HBV genomes were cloned at reactivation, sequenced, and functionally tested by transfection into HuH7 cells. Genomes from both patients showed a low replication phenotype. It was caused at the level of RNA encapsidation or HBV DNA synthesis, but was not attributable to uncommon mutations in the terminal protein domain of P protein. A substantial subpopulation ( approximately 50%) of genomes from one patient did not express pre-S2/S mRNA and HBsAg. Site-directed mutagenesis identified a single G-A mutation within the S gene (position 458) to be responsible for this effect. The G458A mutation was also effective if the S gene was placed under control of a heterologous promoter. Furthermore, nuclear run-on transcription showed that the G458A mutation acts at the posttranscriptional level. The mutation affected a 5' splice site and prevented splicing of the pre-S2/S mRNA from position 458 to 1305. In conclusion, HBV latency may be characterized by viruses with reduced replication competence and antigen expression. In one patient, HBsAg expression was terminated by an as yet undescribed posttranscriptional mechanism. A single mutation inactivated a 5' splice site that is obviously essential for pre-S2/S mRNA accumulation. Supplementary material for this article can be found on the HEPATOLOGY website (http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0270-9139/suppmat/index.html).

Intrahepatic hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA can be a predictor of sustained response to therapy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

This study aimed to determine whether intrahepatic hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA and total HBV DNA levels at the end of therapy would predict sustained response to therapy.

METHODS

Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients receiving either lamivudine monotherapy or combination of peginterferon and lamivudine had liver biopsy at the end of 1 year therapy and were followed for 52 more weeks after cessation of therapy. Serum HBV DNA, intrahepatic HBV ccc DNA, and total HBV DNA levels were determined.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients, including 34 males and 13 females, were studied. Twenty-seven patients received combination therapy, and 20 patients received lamivudine monotherapy. Twenty-nine patients had end-of-treatment virologic response, and 15 patients had sustained response 52 weeks after therapy. At the end of treatment, log serum HBV DNA levels correlated well with log intrahepatic HBV cccDNA and log intrahepatic total HBV DNA levels. Log intrahepatic cccDNA and log intrahepatic total DNA levels were significantly lower among patients with sustained virologic response. The adjusted odds ratio for log cccDNA was 5.3 (95% CI: 1.5-18.2, P = .009) and, for log intrahepatic HBV DNA, was 4.4 (95% CI: 1.3-14.7, P = .015) to predict sustained virologic response. Using log cccDNA at -0.80 copies/genome equivalent as cutoff, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of predicting sustained virologic response were 73%, 78%, 56%, 86%, and 77% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrahepatic HBV cccDNA and intrahepatic total HBV DNA levels at the end of therapy are superior to serum HBV DNA as surrogates of sustained virologic response.

Occult hepatitis B virus infection in a North American community-based population

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection [HBV-DNA detection in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative individuals] may cause acute and/or chronic liver disease. The objective of this study was to document the prevalence of occult HBV in an isolated, North American Inuit community.

METHODS

Four hundred and eighty seven HBsAg negative sera (61% of the community population) were available for HBV-DNA testing by real time PCR. Of these, 80 (Group 1) had serologic evidence of resolved HBV infection and 407 (Group 2) were HBV-seronegative.

RESULTS

HBV-DNA was detected in 14/80 (18%) and S-variants in 12/14 (86%) samples from Group 1. In Group 2, HBV-DNA was detected in 33/407 (8.1%) and S-variants in 17/33 (52%). In all cases (Groups 1 and 2) viral loads were low (<10(5) viral copies/ml) and clinical or biochemical features did not distinguish HBV-DNA positive from negative individuals. However, S-variants were more common (P<0.0001) in older age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that in this community-based population; (1) the prevalence of occult HBV infection is 18% in those with serologic evidence of previous HBV infection and 8.1% in HBV seronegative individuals, (2) age, gender and liver biochemistry findings do not identify those with occult HBV and (3) S-variants are present in the majority of individuals with occult HBV.