Asian-Pacific consensus statement on the management of chronic hepatitis B: a 2012 update. Hepatol Int. 2012;6:531-561. [PMID: 26201469 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-012-9365-4]

The impact of integrated hepatitis B virus DNA on oncogenesis and antiviral therapy

The global burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains high, with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients facing a significantly increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The ultimate objective of antiviral therapy is to achieve a sterilizing cure for HBV. This necessitates the elimination of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and the complete eradication of integrated HBV DNA. This review aims to summarize the oncogenetic role of HBV integration and the significance of clearing HBV integration in sterilizing cure. It specifically focuses on the molecular mechanisms through which HBV integration leads to HCC, including modulation of the expression of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, induction of chromosomal instability, and expression of truncated mutant HBV proteins. The review also highlights the impact of antiviral therapy in reducing HBV integration and preventing HBV-related HCC. Additionally, the review offers insights into future objectives for the treatment of CHB. Current strategies for HBV DNA integration inhibition and elimination include mainly antiviral therapies, RNA interference and gene editing technologies. Overall, HBV integration deserves further investigation and can potentially serve as a biomarker for CHB and HBV-related HCC.

Higher hepatitis B core-specific T cell response is associated with a lower risk of clinical relapse after discontinuation of oral antiviral treatment

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T cell response is a major host immune response to control the virus. However, it is still unclear how it affects long-term outcomes of chronic hepatitis B patients, especially those who stop nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy. We aimed to explore whether the HBV-specific T cell response at the end of treatment (EOT) was associated with clinical outcomes.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study, 51 HBeAg-negative patients who discontinued NA therapy were enrolled.

RESULTS

In a mean follow-up of 25.3 months, 25 patients developed clinical relapse. We found that a stronger hepatitis B core (HBc)-specific T cell response at EOT was associated with a lower risk of clinical relapse. Compared to the low-response group, the high-response group had a lower risk of clinical relapse with hazard ratio of 0.21 (95% CI: 0.05-0.88). The high HBc-specific T cell response was associated with reduced surge of HBV DNA and HBcrAg during the first year of follow-up. The T cell response at EOT was comparable between different NA treatments. Notably, the overall HBV-specific T cell response could be partially restored along with clinical relapse; however, such reinvigorated T cell response was not associated with HBsAg seroclearance.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher HBc-specific T cell response at EOT was associated with lower risk of clinical relapse and reduced surge of HBV DNA and HBcrAg levels off NA therapy.

Effect of nucleos(t)ide analogue discontinuation on the prognosis of HBeAg-negative hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy: A propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Although nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are thought to reduce the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the effect of NA discontinuation on the prognosis of HBV-related HCC after hepatectomy is rarely reported. We aimed to investigate the potential for hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg)-negative HBV-related HCC patients to discontinue NAs based on preoperative hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) status.

METHODS

This historical cohort study involved 1232 NA-treated HBeAg-negative patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for HBV-related HCC from 2014 to 2019. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients discontinuing NAs before surgery were compared with those continuing NAs. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

Of all enrolled patients, 839 (68.1%) patients continued NAs, and 393 (31.9%) patients discontinued NAs. Continuation of NAs was identified as an independent risk factor for RFS (HR 2.047, 95% CI 1.348-3.109, p < 0.001 before PSM and HR 2.756, 95% CI 1.537-4.942, p < 0.001 after PSM) in HBsAg-negative patients. Similarly, subgroup survival analyses showed that NA discontinuation was associated with better RFS (p = 0.029 before PSM and p < 0.001 after PSM) and comparable OS (p = 0.935 before PSM and p = 0.115 after PSM) than NA continuation in HBsAg-negative patients. The interaction between HBsAg status and continuation or discontinuation of NAs was significant (p for interaction <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate the potential for HBeAg-negative HBV-related HCC patients who have achieved HBsAg seroclearance to discontinue NAs under strict monitoring.

ALT to qHBsAg ratio predicts long-term HBsAg seroclearance after entecavir cessation in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Factors predicting HBsAg seroclearance after treatment cessation, irrespective of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) resumption, have important clinical implications. We evaluated predictors of long-term HBsAg seroclearance after entecavir cessation.

METHODS

This study followed-up Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B from two previous studies of entecavir cessation. All patients were non-cirrhotic, HBeAg-negative, with undetectable HBV DNA (<20 IU/ml) at end-of-treatment (EOT). They were monitored closely for 48 weeks with regular HBV DNA, quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) measurements. Entecavir was resumed at HBV DNA >2,000 IU/ml, irrespective of ALT levels. After the initial 48 weeks, patients were assessed every 6 months, regardless of entecavir resumption, to monitor for HBsAg seroclearance.

RESULTS

A total of 194 patients (63.4% male, mean age 49.9 years, on entecavir for a median of 47.2 months) were recruited; 94 (48.5%) and 158 (81.4%) patients had EOT qHBsAg <100 IU/ml and <1,000 IU/ml, respectively; 151 (77.8%) patients were eventually resumed on entecavir. After follow-up for a median of 70.7 (51.0-118.2) months, 28 (14.4%) patients had HBsAg seroclearance. qHBsAg levels at weeks 36 and 48 after EOT independently predicted HBsAg seroclearance (both p <0.01), whereas qHBsAg from EOT to week 24 only trended towards statistical significance. The ratio of ALT/qHBsAg at all time points from EOT to week 48 independently predicted HBsAg seroclearance (hazard ratios ranging from 1.003-1.028, all p <0.01) with excellent diagnostic performance (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve 0.799-0.933, negative predictive value >90% at different time points), regardless of whether entecavir was resumed.

CONCLUSIONS

The ALT/qHBsAg ratio after entecavir cessation predicts HBsAg seroclearance, even in patients who were resumed on treatment. Its use may mitigate the risk of severe hepatitis flares in patients managed by observation without treatment resumption.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

Current predictors of HBsAg seroclearance after finite nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy have suboptimal predictive value. We demonstrated that the ALT/qHBsAg ratio may be able to reflect the balance between host control and virological activity. The ALT/qHBsAg ratio at different time points from end-of-treatment till week 48 independently and accurately predicted HBsAg seroclearance in patients who have stopped entecavir. The ALT/qHBsAg ratio may be utilized by clinicians for patient selection and retreatment decisions in finite NA therapy.

PegIFN alpha-2a reduces relapse in HBeAg-negative patients after nucleo(s)tide analogue cessation: A randomized-controlled trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Nucleo(s)tide analogue (NUC) cessation can lead to HBsAg clearance but also a high rate of virological relapse. However, the effect of pegylated interferon alpha-2a (PegIFN-α-2a) on virological relapse after NUC cessation is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of switching from NUC to PegIFN-α-2a treatment for 48 weeks on virological relapse until week 96.

METHODS

In this multicentre randomized controlled clinical trial, 180 non-cirrhotic HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients on continuous NUC therapy for ≥ 2.5 years with HBV DNA levels < 60 IU/mL were randomized to discontinue NUC (n=90) or receive 48 weeks of PegIFN-α-2a treatment (n=90) and followed up till 96 weeks. The primary endpoint was the virological relapse rate until week 96.

RESULTS

Intention-to-treat analysis revealed patients in the interferon monotherapy group had significantly lower cumulative virological relapse rates than the NUC cessation group until week 96 (20.8% vs. 53.6%, P < 0.0001). Consistently, a significantly lower proportion of patients in the interferon monotherapy group had virological relapse than those in the NUC cessation group at 48 weeks off treatment (17.8% vs. 36.7%, P = 0.007). The virological relapse rate positively correlated with HBsAg levels in the NUC cessation group. The interferon monotherapy group had a lower cumulative clinical relapse rate (7.8% vs. 20.9%, P = 0.008) and a higher HBsAg loss rate (21.5% vs. 9.0%, P = 0.03) than the NUC cessation group.

CONCLUSIONS

Switching from NUC to PegIFN-α-2a treatment for 48 weeks significantly reduces virological relapse rates and achieves higher HBsAg loss rates than NUC treatment cessation alone in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

Nucleo(s)tide analogue (NUC) cessation can lead to HBsAg clearance but also a high rate of virological relapse, but an optimised scheme to reduce the virological relapse rate after NUC withdrawal is yet to be reported. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of switching from NUC to PegIFN-α-2a treatment for 48 weeks on virological relapse until week 96 in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients. The interferon monotherapy group had a significantly lower cumulative virological relapse rate (20.8% vs. 53.6%, P < 0.0001) and higher HBsAg loss rate (21.5% vs. 9.0%, P= 0.03) than the NUC cessation group until week 96. This provides an optimized strategy for NUC cessation in HBeAg-negative patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02594293.

Prognostic role of the stromal cell derived factor-1 in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND

Stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) plays a pivotal role in the recruitment of stem cells to injured livers. However, the changes of SDF-l in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) have yet to be elucidated.

AIM

To study the SDF-1 changes in patients with HBV-related ACLF.

METHODS

30 patients with HBV-related ACLF, 27 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 20 healthy individuals are involved in our study. The SDF-l mRNA expression in liver tissue was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to illustrate the expression of SDF-l, CXC receptor 4 (CXCR4) and Ki67. The serum SDF-l concentrations were also detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

The expression of SDF-1 mRNA from ACLF patients was remarkably higher than that from other patients (both P < 0.05). The expression of SDF-l, CXCR4 and Ki67 from ACLF were the highest among the three groups (all P < 0.01). The serum SDF-l levels in ACLF patients were significantly lower than that in other patients (both P < 0.01). Moreover, in ACLF patients, the serum SDF-1 Levels were positively correlated with serum total bilirubin and international normalized ratio. In addition, the serum SDF-l levels in survival were significantly lower compared with the non-survivals (P < 0.05). The area under the curve for the serum SDF-1 level in predicting 28-d mortality was 0.722 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study provides the SDF-1 changes in patients with HBV-related ACLF. The SDF-1 Level at admission may serve as a promising prognostic marker for predicting short-term prognosis.

Predictive role of early treatment dynamics of HBV RNA and HBcrAg for HBeAg seroconversion in children with chronic hepatitis B

This study aimed to assess the predictive capacity of emerging serological markers, serum HBV RNA and HBcrAg, for HBeAg seroconversion in children with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Treatment-naïve HBeAg-positive CHB children who admitted to the Liver Disease Center of Hunan Children's Hospital between April 2021 and September 2022 and received treatment with the combined entecavir and interferon-alpha treatment were recruited. Serum HBV RNA and HBcrAg were measured at baseline and Weeks 12, 24, and 48 of treatment. Our study showed that serum HBV RNA (HR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.56-0.91, p = 0.006), HBcrAg (HR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.43-0.84, p = 0.003), and HBsAg (HR = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.36-0.69, p < 0.001) at Week 12 were independent predictors of HBeAg seroconversion. ROC curve analysis presented that serum HBV RNA decline value (ΔHBV RNA) at Week 36 and HBcrAg decline value (ΔHBcrAg) at Week 12 (AUC = 0.871, p = 0.003 and AUC = 0.810, p = 0.003, respectively) could effectively predict HBeAg seroconversion. Furthermore, the optimal critical values were determined and the children with ΔHBV RNA > 3.759 log10 copies/mL at Week 36 or ΔHBcrAg >0.350 log10 U/mL at Week 12 more likely to achieve HBeAg seroconversion. The serum HBV RNA and HBcrAg provide new insights into the treatment of CHB in children. Early assessment of serum HBV RNA and HBcrAg during treatment can assist clinical decision-making and optimize individualized therapeutic approaches.

Hepatitis B relapse after entecavir or tenofovir alafenamide cessation under anti-viral prophylaxis for cancer chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

No study has comparing hepatitis B virus (HBV) relapse rates among patients with both cancer and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who completed anti-viral prophylaxis for chemotherapy and then stopped taking entecavir or tenofovir alafenamide (TAF).

METHODS

A total of 227 HBeAg-negative cancer patients without cirrhosis who previously took entecavir (n = 144) or TAF (n = 83) for antiviral prophylaxis were enrolled.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of virological and clinical relapse at 2 years was 37% and 10.4%, respectively, in the entecavir group, and 46.7% and 19.5%, respectively, in the TAF group. The multivariate analysis revealed that the use of hematologic malignancy, TAF use, and high-viremia group at baseline were independent risk factors for virological relapse, and use of rituximab, TAF use, higher FIB-4 index and high-viremia group at baseline were independent risk factors for clinical relapse. After propensity score-matching, the patients who discontinued TAF therapy still exhibited higher virological (P = 0.031) and clinical relapse rates (P = 0.012) than did those who discontinued entecavir therapy. The patients were allocated to high- (> 2000 IU/mL), moderate- (between 20 and 2000 IU/mL) and low- (< 20 IU/mL) viremia groups. In the high-viremia group, those who had taken TAF for antiviral prophylaxis had higher rates of virological and clinical relapse than did those who had taken entecavir; in the moderate- and low-viremia groups, no significant difference in virological and clinical relapse rates was detected between the entecavir and TAF groups. Three patients experienced hepatic decompensation upon clinical relapse. All three patients were lymphoma and underwent rituximab therapy. One patient developed acute on chronic liver failure and died even though timely retreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with both cancer and CHB who underwent antiviral prophylaxis, TAF use was associated with a higher chance of HBV relapse than entecavir use after nucleos(t)ide analogue cessation, particularly in the high-viremia group. Patients who are hematologic malignancy and undergo a rituximab-containing cytotoxic therapy should be monitored closely after withdrawal from prophylactic NA treatment.

Higher end-of-treatment HBsAg levels is associated with later onset but not severe relapse in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients stopping antivirals

BACKGROUND

Quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg) level at end-of-treatment (EOT) predict clinical relapse (CR) after nucleos(t)ide analogues (Nuc) in chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients. It is unclear if higher EOT qHBsAg leads to earlier onset or more severe off-Nuc CR.

AIM

This large cohort study investigates the association between EOT qHBsAg and CR onset/severity.

METHODS

This study enrolled HBeAg-negative CHB patients who had achieved undetectable HBV DNA for over 1 year after receiving Nuc therapy before discontinuation. The EOT qHBsAg level was categorised into three groups: <100, 100-999, ≥1000 IU/mL. The study assessed the predictability of qHBsAg levels for CR, and analysed and compared the incidence, time to onset and severity of CR among these three groups.

RESULTS

Patients with higher EOT qHBsAg showed a higher incidence of CR (≥1000, 100-999, <100 IU/mL: 73%, 65%, and 38%, p < 0.01) but a later onset of CR (median time to CR: 35, 33 and 27 weeks, p < 0.01). The predictabilities of EOT qHBsAg for CR were greater in patients aged <50-year-old or with genotype C than in those aged ≥50-year-old or with genotype B. There's no correlation between EOT qHBsAg level and ALT folds at CR (Pearson correlation coefficient: r = -0.03, p = 0.35). EOT qHBsAg was neither a predictor for severe hepatitis flare nor a predictor for hepatic decompensation.

CONCLUSIONS

Predictability using EOT qHBsAg levels for CR differed in subgroups of age and genotypes. Higher EOT qHBsAg levels correlate with higher incidence but later onset of CR. No correlation between EOT qHBsAg and relapse severity was observed.

The dynamic variation position and predominant quasispecies of hepatitis B virus: Novel predictors of early hepatocarcinoma

To find the predictors of early HCC based on the dynamic changes of HBV quasispecies, this study utilizing the second-generation sequencing (NGS) and high-order multiplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) technology to examine the HBV quasispecies in serum of total 247 subjects recruited from high-incidence area of HCC. In the discovery stage, 15 non-synonymous Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) with higher variant proportion in HCC case group were founded (all P<0.05). Furthermore, the variant proportions in some of these SNPs were observed changing regularly within 5 years before the onset of HCC, and 5 of them located in HBX, 2 in HBS and 2 in HBC. The HBV predominant quasispecies and their consensus sequences were identified by genetic evolution analysis, in which the high HBS and HBC quasispecies heterogeneity were found associated with the forming of multifarious quasispecies clones, and the HBX gene had the highest proportion of predominant quasispecies (46.7 % in HBX vs 12.7 % and 13.8 % in HBS and HBC respectively) with the key variations (G1512A, A1630G, T1753C/G/A, A1762T and G1764A) determined. In the validation stage, we confirmed that the combined double mutations of G1512A+A1630G, A1762T+G1764A, and the combined triple mutations of T1753C/G/A + A1762T+G1764A, all expressed higher in early HCC cases when comparing with control group (all P<0.05). We also demonstrated the advantages of ddPCR using in multi-variations detection in large-sample for early HCC surveillance and screening. So we think that the dynamic of key HBV variation positions and their different combinations determined by quasispecies anlysis in this study can act as the novel predictors of early hepatocarcinoma and suitable to popularize and apply in HCC screening.

Silk Fibroin-Coated Nano-MOFs Enhance the Thermal Stability and Immunogenicity of HBsAg

Vaccines are widely regarded as one of the most effective weapons in the fight against infectious diseases. Currently, vaccines must be stored and transported at low temperatures as high temperatures can lead to a loss of vaccine conformation and reduced therapeutic efficacy. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), such as zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8), are a new class of hybrid materials with large specific surface areas, high loading rates, and good biocompatibility and are successful systems for vaccine delivery and protection. Silk fibroin (SF) has a good biocompatibility and thermal stability. In this study, the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was successfully encapsulated in ZIF-8 to form HBsAg@ZIF-8 (HZ) using a one-step shake and one-pot shake method. Subsequently, the SF coating modifies HZ through hydrophobic interactions to form HBsAg/SF@ZIF-8 (HSZ), which enhanced the thermal stability and immunogenicity of HBsAg. Compared to free HBsAg, HZ and HSZ improved the thermostability of HBsAg, promoted the antigen uptake and lysosomal escape, stimulated dendritic cell maturation and cytokine secretion, formed an antigen reservoir to promote antibody production, and activated CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells to enhance memory T-cell production. Importantly, HSZ induced a strong immune response even after 14 days of storage at 25 °C. Furthermore, the nanoparticles prepared by the one-step shake method exhibited superior properties compared to those prepared by the one-pot shake method. This study highlights the importance of SF-coated ZIF-8, which holds promise for investigating thermostable vaccines and breaking the vaccine cold chain.

Potential role of microRNAs in personalized medicine against hepatitis: a futuristic approach

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been the subject of extensive research for many years, primarily in the context of diseases such as cancer. However, our appreciation of their significance in viral infections, particularly in hepatitis, has increased due to the discovery of their association with both the host and the virus. Hepatitis is a major global health concern and can be caused by various viruses, including hepatitis A to E. This review highlights the key factors associated with miRNAs and their involvement in infections with various viruses that cause hepatitis. The review not only emphasizes the expression profiles of miRNAs in hepatitis but also puts a spotlight on their potential for diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. Ongoing extensive studies are propelling the therapeutic application of miRNAs, addressing both current limitations and potential strategies for the future of miRNAs in personalized medicine. Here, we discuss the potential of miRNAs to influence future medical research and an attempt to provide a thorough understanding of their diverse roles in hepatitis and beyond.

Efficacy and safety of tenofovir alafenamide in patients with chronic hepatitis B exhibiting suboptimal response to entecavir

BACKGROUND

Entecavir (ETV) is a potent and safe antiviral agent for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB); however, some patients may exhibit suboptimal response or resistance to ETV. Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is a novel tenofovir prodrug with improved pharmacokinetics and reduced renal and bone toxicity compared with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of switching from ETV to TAF in patients with CHB exhibiting suboptimal response to ETV.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients with CHB who had been treated with ETV for at least 12 mo and had persistent or recurrent viremia [Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA ≥ 20 IU/mL] or partial virologic response (HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL, but detectable) were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to either continue ETV (0.5 mg) daily or switch to TAF (25 mg) daily for 48 wk. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved a virologic response (HBV DNA level < 20 IU/mL) at week 48. Secondary endpoints included changes in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and anti-HBe levels, and renal and bone safety parameters.

RESULTS

At week 48, the proportion of patients who achieved a virologic response was significantly higher in the TAF group than in the ETV group (93.3% vs 66.7%, P = 0.012). The mean reduction in HBV DNA from baseline was also significantly greater in the TAF group than in the ETV group (-3.8 vs -2.4 Log10 IU/mL, P < 0.001). The rates of ALT normalization, HBeAg loss, HBeAg seroconversion, and HBsAg loss were not found to significantly differ between the two groups. None of the patients developed genotypic resistance to ETV or TAF. Both drugs were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or discontinuations caused by adverse events. No significant changes were observed in the estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum creatinine level, or urine protein-to-creatinine ratio in either group. The TAF group had a significantly lower decrease in bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and hip than the ETV group (-0.8% vs -2.1%, P = 0.004; -0.6% vs -1.8%, P = 0.007, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Switching from ETV to TAF is effective and safe for patients with CHB exhibiting a suboptimal response to ETV and may prevent further viral resistance and reduce renal and bone toxicity.

Long-term comparisons of the durability of 6 months versus 12 months antiviral therapy for hepatitis B after chemotherapy cessation

BACKGROUND

Prophylaxis antiviral therapy is recommended for patients with hepatitis B receiving chemotherapy but the ideal treatment duration after chemotherapy cessation needs more evidence for clarification.

AIMS

This study aimed to compare the relapse rate of short finite intervals of 6 months and 12 months of -nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy in patients stratified by low hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA of < 2000 IU/ml or high HBV DNA of ≥ 2000 IU/ml.

METHODS

Patients started tenofovir or entecavir treatment 1 week before chemotherapy and were assigned to different treatment duration groups randomly after stratified by HBV DNA pretreatment: (1) HBV DNA of < 2000 IU/ml at 6-month or 12-month duration; (2)HBV DNA of ≥ 2000 IU/ml at 6-month or 12-month duration. Virological relapse (VR) was defined as HBV DNA of > 2000 IU/ml, and clinical relapse (CR) was defined as HBV DNA of > 2000 IU/ml and alanine aminotransferase of > 80 IU/L during the follow-up period. The primary endpoint was to compare the durability between groups 1 year after antiviral therapy cessation. The secondary endpoint was VR and CR rate at long-term follow-up after antiviral therapy cessation.

RESULTS

This study enrolled 61 patients, and 5 patients were lost to follow-up or tumor recurrence. VR and CR rates were 46.4% and 14.3% at 1-year and 55.3% and 16.1%, at long-term follow-up, respectively. VR and CR rates demonstrated no difference between the groups. Pretreatment HBV DNA at ≥ 2000 IU/ml and end-of-treatment hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at ≥ 500 IU/ml were the predictor of VR (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.98; p = 0.010 and HR: 2.38; p = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Prolongation from 6 months to 12 months of NA consolidation after chemotherapy cessation did not affect the VR or CR of HBV. High pretreatment HBV DNA and end-of-treatment HBsAg levels could predict VR after antiviral therapy cessation for chemotherapy.

Diagnosis of liver fibrosis and liver function reserve through non-invasive multispectral photoacoustic imaging

Liver function reserve (LFR) is the sum of remnant functional hepatic cells after liver injury. In the pathologic process of liver fibrosis (LF), LFR is impaired. LFR assessment can help determine the safe scope of liver resection or drug regimen and predict prognosis of patients with liver disease. Here, we used a photoacoustic imaging (PAI) system to assess LF and LFR in rabbit models. We performed PAI, ultrasound elastography and biopsy for 21 rabbits developing none (n = 6) and LF (n = 15). In vivo indocyanine green (ICG) measurements by PAI showed that LF group presented a significantly attenuated ICG clearance compared to control group, indicating LFR impairment of LF. Another finding was a significantly higher collagen photoacoustic signal intensity value was observed in LF both in vivo and in vitro. Our findings demonstrated that PAI was potentially effective to evaluate LFR and collagen accumulation of LF.

Post-treatment HBsAg decline predicts high rate of HBsAg loss after stopping entecavir or tenofovir in HBeAg-negative patients without retreatment

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Little is known about the role of post-treatment HBsAg decline in HBsAg loss following nucleos(t)ide analogues cessation.

METHODS

HBeAg-negative patients without cirrhosis who previously received entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) were enrolled (n=530). All patients were followed-up post-treatment for >24 months.

RESULTS

Of the 530 patients, 126 achieved sustained response (Group I), 85 experienced virological relapse without clinical relapse and retreatment (Group II), 67 suffered clinical relapse without retreatment (Group III) and 252 received retreatment (Group IV). The cumulative incidence of HBsAg loss at 8 years was 57.3% in Group I, 24.1% in Group II, 35.9% in Group III and 7.3% in Group IV. Cox regression analysis showed that nucleos(t)ide analogue experience, lower HBsAg levels at end-of-treatment (EOT) and higher HBsAg decline at 6 months after EOT were independently associated with HBsAg loss in Group I and Groups II+III. The rates of HBsAg loss at 6 years in patients with HBsAg decline >0.2 log IU/mL in Group I and HBsAg decline >0.15 log IU/mL in Group II+III at 6 months after EOT were 87.7% and 47.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The HBsAg loss rate was high and post-treatment HBsAg decline could predict high HBsAg loss rate among HBeAg-negative patients who discontinued entecavir or TDF and did not need retreatment.

A Validated Composite Score Demonstrates Potential Superiority to MELD-Based Systems in Predicting Short-Term Survival in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis-A Preliminary Study

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a severe complication in cirrhosis patients with ascites, leading to high mortality rates if not promptly treated. However, specific prediction models for SBP are lacking.

AIMS

This study aimed to compare commonly used cirrhotic prediction models (CTP score, MELD, MELD-Na, iMELD, and MELD 3.0) for short-term mortality prediction and develop a novel model to improve mortality prediction.

METHODS

Patients with the first episode of SBP were included. Prognostic values for mortality were assessed using AUROC analysis. A novel prediction model was developed and validated.

RESULTS

In total, 327 SBP patients were analyzed, with HBV infection as the main etiologies. MELD 3.0 demonstrated the highest AUROC among the traditional models. The novel model, incorporating HRS, exhibited superior predictive accuracy for in-hospital in all patients and 3-month mortality in HBV-cirrhosis, with AUROC values of 0.827 and 0.813 respectively, surpassing 0.8.

CONCLUSIONS

MELD 3.0 score outperformed the CTP score and showed a non-significant improvement compared to other MELD-based scores, while the novel SBP model demonstrated impressive accuracy. Internal validation and an HBV-related cirrhosis subgroup sensitivity analysis supported these findings, highlighting the need for a specific prognostic model for SBP and the importance of preventing HRS development to improve SBP prognosis.

Higher rate of HBsAg loss after discontinuation of tenofovir than entecavir in patients with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To compare the rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss after discontinuation of entecavir versus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) without cirrhosis.

METHODS

A total of 891 patients who received entecavir (n = 556) or TDF (n = 335) followed up post-treatment for at least 12 months were retrospectively assessed. A total of 677 patients who had continued entecavir or TDF therapy for at least 4 years were enrolled as the continued group.

RESULTS

Patients who discontinued TDF had higher rates of virological and clinical relapse and retreatment than patients who discontinued entecavir in both the HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative subgroups. In the entire discontinued cohort, the cumulative rates of HBsAg loss at 7 years were 22.6% and 35.4% in the entecavir and TDF groups respectively. Patients who discontinued TDF had significantly higher rates of HBsAg loss than patients who discontinued entecavir therapy in all (p = 0.019) and propensity score-matched (p = 0.015) patients, especially among the subgroups who achieved a sustained response (p < 0.001). Cox regression analysis revealed that TDF, longer treatment duration and lower HBsAg levels at end of treatment were independently associated with HBsAg loss in the entire discontinued group. The incidence of HBsAg loss was significantly higher in the discontinued group than in the continued group after propensity score matching (p < 0.001), including HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who discontinued TDF had significantly higher rates of HBsAg loss than patients who discontinued entecavir, especially among the subgroups without HBV relapse after cessation of therapy.

Multi-omics profiling of primary hepatic stellate cells from advanced liver fibrosis patients reveals distinctive molecular signatures

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Hepatic fibrosis is a common pathogenic outcome of almost all chronic liver diseases and a growing public health problem globally. However, the key genes or proteins driving liver fibrosis and cirrhosis are not well understood. We aimed to identify novel hepatic fibrosis genes of human primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).

METHODS

Human primary HSCs were isolated from surgically resected advanced fibrosis liver tissues (n = 6) and surgical resection of normal liver tissue around hemangioma (n = 5). Differences in the expression levels of mRNA and proteins from HSCs in advanced fibrosis group and the control group were analyzed using RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry as transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. The obtained biomarkers were further validated through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence, and Western blot.

RESULTS

A total of 2156 transcripts and 711 proteins were found to be differently expressed between the advanced fibrosis group and the control group patients. The Venn diagram shows that a total of 96 upregulated molecules are overlapped in both the transcriptomic and proteomic datasets. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis indicated that those overlapped genes were mainly involved in wound healing, cell adhesion regulation, and actin binding, which reflects the major biological conversions in liver cirrhosis process. Pyruvate kinase M2 and EH domain-containing 2 were identified as potential new markers for advanced liver cirrhosis, which have been validated in primary human HSCs and in vitro cellular hepatic fibrosis model Lieming Xu-2 (LX-2) cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results revealed the major transcriptomic and proteomic changes during liver cirrhosis process and identified new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for advanced liver fibrosis.

Serum cytokine profiles predict outcomes of chronic hepatitis B patients discontinuing entecavir or tenofovir therapy

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Distinct hepatitis relapse has been observed after discontinuing entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. End-of-therapy (EOT) serum cytokines were compared and used for outcome prediction.

METHODS

A total of 80 non-cirrhotic CHB patients in a tertiary medical center in Taiwan who discontinued ETV (n = 51) or TDF (n = 29) therapy after fulfilling the APASL guidelines were prospectively enrolled. Serum cytokines were measured at EOT and 3rd month afterwards. Multivariable analysis was performed to predict virological relapse (VR, HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL), clinical relapse (CR, VR and alanine aminotransferase > 2-fold upper limit of normal) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance.

RESULTS

Compared with TDF group, ETV stoppers had greater interleukin 5 (IL-5), IL-12 p70, IL-13, IL-17 A and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) (all P < 0.05) at EOT. Older age, TDF use, higher EOT HBsAg and IL-18 (Hazard ratio [HR], 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02) levels at EOT predicted VR, while older age, higher EOT HBsAg and IL-7 (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.00-1.56) levels predicted CR. In TDF stoppers, higher IL-7 (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05-1.60) and IL-18 (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.04) levels predicted VR, while IL-7 (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.08-1.65) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02-1.14) levels predicted CR. A lower EOT HBsAg level was associated with HBsAg seroclearance.

CONCLUSION

Distinct cytokine profiles were observed after stopping ETV or TDF. Higher EOT IL-7, IL-18, and IFN-gamma could be probable predictors for VR and CR in patients discontinuing NA therapies.

Lymphocyte-to-white blood cell ratio is associated with outcome in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND

The lymphocyte-to-white blood cell ratio (LWR) is a blood marker of the systemic inflammatory response. The prognostic value of LWR in patients with hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) remains unclear.

AIM

To explore whether LWR could stratify the risk of poor outcomes in HBV-ACLF patients.

METHODS

This study was conducted by recruiting 330 patients with HBV-ACLF at the Department of Gastroenterology in a large tertiary hospital. Patients were divided into survivor and non-survivor groups according to their 28-d prognosis. The independent risk factors for 28-d mortality were calculated by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Patients were divided into low- and high-LWR groups according to the cutoff values. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed according to the level of LWR.

RESULTS

During the 28-d follow-up time, 135 patients died, and the mortality rate was 40.90%. The LWR level in non-surviving patients was significantly decreased compared to that in surviving patients. A lower LWR level was an independent risk factor for poor 28-d outcomes (hazard ratio = 0.052, 95% confidence interval: 0.005-0.535). The LWR level was significantly negatively correlated with the Child-Turcotte-Pugh, model for end-stage liver disease, and Chinese Group on the Study of Severe Hepatitis B-ACLF II scores. In addition, the 28-d mortality was higher for patients with LWR < 0.11 than for those with LWR ≥ 0.11.

CONCLUSION

LWR may serve as a simple and useful tool for stratifying the risk of poor 28-d outcomes in HBV-ACLF patients.

Emerging Therapies for Chronic Hepatitis B and the Potential for a Functional Cure

Worldwide, an estimated 296 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Current therapy with pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and indefinite or finite therapy with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (Nucs) are effective in HBV suppression, hepatitis resolution, and prevention of disease progression. However, few achieve hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss (functional cure), and relapse often occurs after the end of therapy (EOT) because these agents have no direct effect on durable template: covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and integrated HBV DNA. Hepatitis B surface antigen loss rate increases slightly by adding or switching to Peg-IFN in Nuc-treated patients and this loss rate greatly increases up to 39% in 5 years with finite Nuc therapy with currently available Nuc(s). For this, great effort has been made to develop novel direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and immunomodulators. Among the DAAs, entry inhibitors and capsid assembly modulators have little effect on reducing HBsAg levels; small interfering RNA, antisense oligonucleotides, and nucleic acid polymers in combination with Peg-IFN and Nuc may reduce HBsAg levels significantly, even a rate of HBsAg loss sustained for > 24 weeks after EOT up to 40%. Novel immunomodulators, including T-cell receptor agonists, check-point inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies may restore HBV-specific T-cell response but not sustained HBsAg loss. The safety issues and the durability of HBsAg loss warrant further investigation. Combining agents of different classes has the potential to enhance HBsAg loss. Compounds directly targeting cccDNA would be more effective but are still in the early stage of development. More effort is required to achieve this goal.

Combined baseline HBcrAg and end-of-treatment HBsAg predict HBV relapse after entecavir or tenofovir cessation

BACKGROUND

For patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), the optimal stopping criteria for entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate treatment remain unclear.

METHODS

This study recruited CHB patients with levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) <100 IU/mL at the end of treatment (EOT) from Kaohsiung (n = 190) and Linkou (n = 188) Chang Gung Memorial Hospitals for use as development and validation groups, respectively.

RESULTS

In the development group, 108 patients with HBsAg ≤40 IU/mL were used for analysis of predictors of HBV relapse and HBsAg loss. Multivariate analysis showed that age, nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)-experienced status, baseline hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) and HBsAg at EOT were associated independently with virological and clinical relapse. An HBsAg level of 20 IU/mL at EOT was the best cut-off value for minimizing HBV relapse. Patients with EOT HBsAg ≤20 IU/mL had lower virological and clinical relapse rates and higher HBsAg loss rates than those with EOT HBsAg 21-40 IU/mL and HBsAg 41-100 IU/mL in the development and validation groups. The virological and clinical relapse rates were very low (5-year rates: 6.5% and 0%, respectively) and HBsAg loss rate was very high (5-year rate: 81.7%) in patients with a combination of baseline HBcrAg ≤4 log U/mL and EOT HBsAg ≤20 IU/mL in the development group.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of baseline HBcrAg ≤4 log U/mL and EOT HBsAg level ≤20 IU/mL might reduce the risk of HBV relapse and increase HBsAg loss rate, and might be helpful for off-NA follow-up strategy.

HBV relapse rates in patients who discontinue tenofovir disoproxil fumarate with or without switching to tenofovir alafenamide

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The incidence and relapse pattern in patients stopping tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), a prodrug of tenofovir which is more concentrated in hepatocytes, is unknown.

METHODS

HBeAg-negative CHB patients stopping tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) (off-TDF) or who had switched to TAF more than 3 months before discontinuation (off-TAF) were recruited. The propensity score-matching method (PSM) was used, creating a ratio of 1:3 between the off-TAF versus the off-TDF groups to adjust for associated factors.

RESULTS

After PSM, 180 off-TDF and 60 off-TAF patients were analyzed. The cumulative rates of virological and clinical relapse at 52 weeks were 75.1% and 58.5% respectively in the off-TDF group and 91.1% and 61.6% in the off-TAF group. Patients in the off-TAF group had significantly higher rates of virological relapse than those in the off-TDF group (p = 0.021), but not clinical relapse (p = 0.785). Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that off-TAF group was an independent factor for virological relapse, but not clinical relapse. Severity of clinical relapse and hepatic decompensation rate were comparable between off-TDF and off-TAF groups CONCLUSIONS: The off-TAF group had a higher virological relapse rate than the off-TDF group. The difference in clinical relapse pattern and severity was not clinically important between the two groups.

Retreatment Efficacy and Renal Safety of Tenofovir Alafenamide, Entecavir, and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate After Entecavir or Tenofovir Cessation

BACKGROUND

We aimed to compare the one-year retreatment efficacy and renal safety of entecavir, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) after HBV relapse in patients who discontinued entecavir or TDF.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 289 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients without cirrhosis who received entecavir (n = 93), TDF (n = 103), or TAF (n = 86) retreatment for at least 12 months after entecavir or TDF cessation.

RESULTS

The rate of virological response (HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL) at 12 months of retreatment was 79/93 (84.9%) in the entecavir group, 92/103 (89.3%) in the TDF group, and 72/86 (83.7%) in the TAF group. The rate of ALT normalization (ALT ≤ 40 U/L) after 12 months of retreatment was 76/93 (81.7%) in the entecavir group, 77/103 (74.7%) in the TDF group , and 73/86 (84.9%) in the TAF group. There was no significant difference in the rates of virological response (p = 0.495) and ALT normalization (p = 0.198) among the three groups. Multivariate analysis showed that lower HBV DNA and HBsAg levels at baseline were independently associated with virological response at 12 months of retreatment. The TDF group (37.8 ± 34.8 U/L) had higher ALT levels at 12 months of retreatment than the TAF (27. ± 17.9 U/L, p = 0.015) and entecavir (28.3 ± 19.3 U/L, p = 0.022) groups. In patients with eGFR 60-90 mL/min/1.73 m², eGFR change between baseline and 12 months of retreatment increased in the entecavir and TAF groups and decreased in the TDF group.

CONCLUSIONS

TAF could be one of the retreatment options for retreatment of HBV relapse after entecavir or TDF cessation.

Characterization of a Novel Capsid Assembly Modulator for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection

The standard of care for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is typically lifelong treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs), which suppress viral replication and provide long-term clinical benefits. However, infectious virus can still be detected in patients who are virally suppressed on NA therapy, which may contribute to the failure of these agents to cure most CHB patients. Accordingly, new antiviral treatment options are being developed to enhance the suppression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in combination with NAs ("antiviral intensification"). Here, we describe GS-SBA-1, a capsid assembly modulator (CAM) belonging to class CAM-E, that demonstrates potent inhibition of extracellular HBV DNA in vitro (EC50 [50% effective concentration] = 19 nM) in HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) as well as in vivo in an HBV-infected immunodeficient mouse model. GS-SBA-1 has comparable activities across HBV genotypes and nucleos(t)ide-resistant mutants in HBV-infected PHHs. In addition, GS-SBA-1 demonstrated in vitro additivity in combination with tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). The administration of GS-SBA-1 to PHHs at the time of infection prevents covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) formation and, hence, decreases HBV RNA and antigen levels (EC50 = 80 to 200 nM). Furthermore, GS-SBA-1 prevents the production of extracellular HBV RNA-containing viral particles in vitro. Collectively, these data demonstrate that GS-SBA-1 is a potent CAM that has the potential to enhance viral suppression in combination with an NA.

Efficacy of nucleos(t)ide analogues(NAs) in preventing virus reactivation in oncology patients with HBV infection after chemotherapy or surgery: A network meta-analysis

Objective

In this study, we aimed to perform a network meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of NAs in decreasing the reactivation of HBV, reducing chemotherapy disruption, and improving survival in oncology patients.

Methods

Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating the impact of NAs in HBV infected-related oncology patients were retrieved from electronic databases. The outcome indicators included reactivation rate, survival rate of 1 to 3 years after treatment, and chemotherapy disruption rate. The studies were evaluated for bias using the RCT risk of bias assessment tool recommended in the Cochrane Handbook. The risk ratio (RR) was used to compare the outcome indicators for the anti-viral treatment, and the surface under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA) was used to identify the optimal therapeutic regime.

Results

A total of 67 trials containing 5722 patients were included in this study. Regarding the reduction of reactivation rate, entecavir, lamivudine, adefovir alone were less effective than the combination of lamivudine and entecavir (94.9%), with RR values ranging from 3.16 to 3.73. However, based on SUCRA, the efficacy of telbivudine (80.3%) and the combination of lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil (58.8%) were also acceptable. Entecavir (RR values ranging from 1.25 to 1.50) and lamivudine (RR values ranging from 1.27 to 1.35) can prolong the survival rate of patients at 1-3 years, and were better than adefovir dipivoxil in the comparison of 1-year survival rate. The RR values were 1.18 and 1.19, respectively. And entecavir 's ranking in SUCRA was more stable. Entecavir, lamivudine, and tenofovir all reduced chemotherapy interruption rates compared with no antiviral therapy, especially for tenofovir.

Conclusions

Current evidence shows that lamivudine combined with entecavir, telbivudine, and lamivudine combined with adefovir dipivoxil were the most effective in preventing virus reactivation in HBV infected-related cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Entecavir had the most stable effect on survival, while tenofovir had the best impact on reducing the chemotherapy disruption rate. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusions.

Systematic review registration

PROSPEROI [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/index.php], identifier CRD4202250685.

A Systematic Review on Current Trends in the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B to Predict Disease Remission and Relapse

Despite decreasing the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), it is still a major health care challenge. Current antiviral regimens aim to suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) activity to prevent the risk of hepatic decompensation, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and nucleos(t)ide analogs (NA) are the first-line choices of drugs. Peg-IFN is now discontinued due to its mode of application and side effects. NA is used once daily to suppress HBV DNA activity but has little effect on covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), so continuous long-term therapy is required to suppress HBV DNA. Due to this effect, disease remission, relapse, and even clinical flare are common phenomena after the end of treatment (EOT). This review aimed to analyze the current regimens for treating chronic hepatitis B. Their mode of action, duration of treatment, and events after stopping therapy. The review was performed using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. A search was undertaken in PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Screening of articles was carried out to find relevant and appropriate articles. Articles were then quality-checked before inclusion. Our analysis showed that long-term finite therapy with nucleoside analogs could improve clinical outcomes and suppress viral DNA activity. However, a functional cure, loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), is rarely achieved. The decision to end treatment depends on quantitative HBsAg level (qHBsAg), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), HBV DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and fibrosis assessment. It is concluded that patients with HBeAg negative without cirrhosis can be easily withdrawn from treatment if they have long-term viral remission and a high HBsAg loss rate. However, patients with positive HBeAg should continue treatment because there is a high chance of disease relapse and even acute flare. To predict whether patients will benefit from EOT, some immunomodulatory markers are studied, including interleukin (IL-20, IL-8), fas ligand (FASGL), and IFN gamma. Although these factors are reliable, none pose an independent effect on disease remission. Combination therapy (IFN alpha + oral nucleoside analogs) is promising but has clinical shortcomings.

Low anti-HBc levels are associated with lower risk of virological relapse after nucleos(t)ide analogue cessation in HBe antigen-negative patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Low anti-HBc serum levels at the time of therapy cessation were linked to a higher relapse risk in predominantly HBeAg-positive cohorts. We investigated the association of anti-HBc levels with relapse in HBeAg-negative patients.

METHODS

Serum levels of anti-HBc, HBsAg and HBcrAg were determined in 136 HBeAg-negative patients, participating in a vaccination trial (ABX-203, NCT02249988), before treatment cessation or vaccination. Importantly, vaccination showed no impact on relapse. The correlation between the biomarkers and their predictive value for relapse (HBV DNA >2000 IU/ml ± ALT >2xULN) was investigated.

RESULTS

After therapy cessation 50% (N = 68) of patients relapsed. Median anti-HBc prior to treatment stop was significantly higher among relapsers compared to off-treatment responders (520 IU/ml vs. 330 IU/mL, p = .0098). The optimal anti-HBc cut-off to predict relapse was 325 IU/ml according to the Youden-Index. About 35% of patients with anti-HBc level < 325 IU/ml versus 60% of those with values ≥325 IU/mL relapsed (p = .0103; sensitivity 50%, specificity 75%). Combining the optimal cut-offs of HBsAg (>3008 IU/mL) or HBcrAg (≥1790 U/ml) with anti-HBc increased the proportion of patients with relapse to 80% (p < .0001) and 74% (p = .0006), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to predominantly HBeAg-positive cohorts, in our cohort of HBeAg-negative patients lower anti-HBc levels are associated with a significantly lower relapse risk after nucleos(t)ide analogue cessation. The vast majority of included patients were either genotype B or C and the applicability to other genotypes has to be further evaluated. However, anti-HBc level as an indicator of the host response might be prospectively further explored for prediction models.

Early and late recurrence after hepatectomy in patients with low-level HBV-DNA hepatocellular carcinoma under antiviral therapy

Background

Antiviral therapy has been shown to benefit long-term survival after curative hepatectomy in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with high levels of HBV-DNA, but the impact of antiviral therapy on patient recurrence in patients with low levels of HBV-DNA remains less clear.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study analyzing 296 patients with HBV-associated HCC with HBV-DNA levels < 2000 IU/mL who underwent hepatectomy at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between March 2013 and December 2017, of whom 157 patients received antiviral therapy (antiviral group) and 139 patients did not receive antiviral therapy (non-antiviral group), propensity score matching was used for survival analysis of patients in both groups, and subgroup analysis of major risk factors was performed.

Results

The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable. At a median follow-up of 54 months, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates after propensity score matching (PSM) were 94.9%, 80.8%, 66.5%, and 90.9%, 64.6%, 49.4% for the antiviral and non-antiviral groups, respectively, p = 0.009, and the corresponding 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS for the two groups were 81.8%, 76.8%, 76.8%, and 67.7%, 55.6%, 55.6%, respectively. p = 0.001, and the overall survival and recurrence-free survival were significantly better in the antiviral group than in the non-antiviral group. Multi-factor COX regression analysis showed that prothrombin time ≥ 13 s, methemoglobin level ≥ 20 ng/ml, platelet count ≥ 100 × 109/L, tumor size > 5 cm, tumor multiplicity was associated with early recurrence, and antiviral treatment was an independent protective factor for early recurrence of HCC (HR, 0.431; 95% CI 0.274–0.679; p < 0.001), but not associated with a low risk of late relapse (HR, 0.822; 95% CI 0.526–1.284; p = 0.389), and the main risk factors for late relapse included AST levels > 40 IU/ml, ALP levels > 130 IU/L, and the presence of satellite nodules, and subgroup analysis showed that compared to HBeAg-positive patients, antiviral therapy could significantly prolonged the recurrence-free survival of HBeAg-negative patients.

Conclusion

Antiviral therapy reduces early tumor recurrence after hepatectomy in patients with low levels of HBV-DNA.

Perspectives on current controversial issues in the management of chronic HBV infection

Clinical and basic research in the past decades has achieved consensus in the understanding of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the management of chronic hepatitis B and HBV-cirrhosis. However, debatable challenges to the existing consensus in the concept and/or definitions have emerged. These include (1). alanine aminotransferase upper limit of normal: traditional laboratory-defined vs fixed; (2). nomenclature for phases of chronic HBV infection: classical vs EASL proposal; (3). indication of antiviral therapy: to treat patients vs to treat HBV; (4). finite vs indefinite long-term antiviral therapy: A. finite therapy in HBV-cirrhosis; B. retreatment decision: biochemical markers vs HBsAg/ALT kinetics. The pros and cons of these controversial issues were reviewed, assessed, and discussed in depth based on relevant lines of scientific evidence, intended to clarify or solve these controversial issues.

Hepatitis B flare: the good, the bad and the ugly

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B flare, defined as an event of abrupt ALT elevation to >5x ULN, is a frequent episode during the natural course or during/after antiviral therapy of chronic HBV infection, in both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B or liver cirrhosis.

AREAS COVERED

The definition, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of hepatitis B flares in the published literature were reviewed. Hepatitis B flares have been considered as a result of the robust immune response of the patient to an upsurging HBV/HBV-antigen(s). 'Host-dominating flares,' reflect effective immune response, may resolve with ALT normalization and decline of HBV/ antigen(s). Contradictorily, 'virus-dominating flares,' reflect ineffective immune response, are usually followed by persistent/intermittent hepatitis and may even develop hepatic decompensation/failure.

EXPERT OPINION

Not all hepatitis B flares require antiviral therapy, and close observation with combined HBsAg/ALT kinetics along the ascending ALT during hepatitis flare may differentiate hepatitis flares for an appropriate treatment/retreatment decision. More studies are needed to verify this proposal. Further immunologic studies using multiple samples during hepatitis B flare are important to clarify the precise underlying mechanisms as the basis for further improvement in the management of hepatitis flare.

Clinical significance of novel biomarkers to predict the natural course of hepatitis B infection

Background and aim

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can be divided into immune tolerance (IT), immune clearance (IC), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative inactive/quiescent carrier (ENQ), and HBeAg-negative hepatitis (ENH) phases. The conventional biomarkers used to distinguish these phases have limitations. We examined the clinical significance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA and hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) as novel biomarkers.

Methods

One hundred eighty-nine patients without treatment currently were categorized by CHB phase (IT = 46, IC = 45, ENQ = 49, ENH = 49). The associations of HBV RNA and HBcrAg with HBV DNA and alanine transaminase (ALT) were analyzed. The decision tree model was used to distinguish the four phases in the natural course of CHB.

Results

The concentrations of HBV RNA and HBcrAg were highest in the IT and IC phases (P < 0.01). Serum HBV RNA was similar to HBcrAg in treatment-naïve patients. HBV RNA and HBcrAg correlated with HBV DNA in the HBeAg⁺ and HBeAg^- status (HBV RNA: e⁺ r = 0.51, e^- r = 0.62; HBcrAg: e⁺ r = 0.51, e^- r = 0.71), but their association with HBV DNA differed among phases. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of HBcrAg with ALT in distinguishing the CHB phases were 95.65%, 95.83%, and 95.55%, respectively.

Conclusion

Serum HBV RNA and HBcrAg may be useful to monitor CHB progression.

Heterogeneity of immune control in chronic hepatitis B virus infection: Clinical implications on immunity with interferon-α treatment and retreatment

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health issue. Interferon-α (IFN-α) treatment has been used to treat hepatitis B for over 20 years, but fewer than 5% of Asians receiving IFN-α treatment achieve functional cure. Thus, IFN-α retreatment has been introduced to enhance antiviral function. In recent years, immune-related studies have found that the complex interactions between immune cells and cytokines could modulate immune response networks, in-cluding both innate and adaptive immunity, triggering immune responses that control HBV replication. However, heterogeneity of the immune system to control HBV infection, particularly HBV-specific CD8⁺ T cell heterogeneity, has consequ-ential effects on T cell-based immunotherapy for treating HBV infection. Altogether, the host’s genetic variants, negative-feedback regulators and HBV components affecting the immune system's ability to control HBV. In this study, we reviewed the literature on potential immune mechanisms affecting the immune control of HBV and the clinical effects of IFN-α treatment and retreatment.

A Predictive Model to Evaluate the HbeAg Positivity of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Patients in Clinics: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objective: The study aims to investigate the correlation between Hepatitis B ‘e’ antigen (HBeAg) and HBV DNA levels, and to find a convenient tool to estimate the HBV DNA level for clinicians. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 1020 patients in this cross-sectional study and divided them into four groups: an HbeAg-positive and -negative group, and high and low HBV DNA levels groups. Results: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Albumin (ALB) and HBeAg are independent risk factors for CHB patients. When the level of HBeAg is higher than 16.15 S/CO, it is four times more likely that the patients will have high levels of HBV DNA than those who do not. The ALT and TB are independent risk factors in HBeAg-negative patients with a high HBV DNA level. We have drawn three predictive models to estimate the HBV DNA levels for those with the chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB), and those that are HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative (Y1 = 0.004 × ALT(IU/L) + 1.412 × HBeAg (S/CO) − 0.029 × ALB (g/L) + 0.779, the AUC is 0.672, and the cutoff value is −0.072, there the sensitivity is 0.615, the specificity is 0.648, PPV is 65.182% and NPV is 60.837%; Y2 = 0.007 × HBeAg (S/CO) − 0.016 × HGB (g/L) + 3.070, the AUC is 0.724, and the cutoff value is 1.216, where the sensitivity is 0.626, the specificity is 0.897, PPV is 94.118% and NPV is 34.437%; Y3 = −0.005 × ALT(IU/L) + 0.006 × TB (umol/L) + 0.385, the AUC is 0.661, and the cutoff value is 0.263, where the sensitivity is 0.677, the specificity is 0.587, PPV is 66.820% and NPV is 40.774%, respectively). We propose that HBeAg is the most important risk factor for the patient with a high HBV DNA level, however, it is not as important in the HBeAg-positive group. Conclusions: HBeAg is an independent risk factor that reflects the level of HBV DNA with a strong correlation. Patient with HBeAg (−) should combine TB and ALT to estimate the level of HBV DNA.

The Role of Off-Therapy Viral Kinetics in the Timing and Severity of Flares in Hepatitis B e Antigen-Negative Patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hepatitis B flare occurs earlier and is more severe in patients stopping tenofovir (TDF) compared with entecavir (ETV). This study investigated relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) kinetics, onset timing, and the severity of flares.

METHODS

Hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B patients who developed off-ETV or off-TDF hepatitis flare were recruited. Their HBV kinetics and the severity of flares were compared between patients with early (<6 months) and late (between 6 and 24 months) flares. Propensity score matching was performed at 1:1 adjusting for age, sex, cirrhosis, and end-of-treatment (EOT) hepatitis B surface antigen between off-ETV and off-TDF flares.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, 76% and 15% of each 107 off-TDF and off-ETV patients, respectively, developed early flare. A much steeper HBV DNA upsurge (ΔHBV DNA/month) was observed in off-TDF than off-ETV flares (2.12 vs 0.73 log₁₀ IU/mL; P < .01). Greater ΔHBV DNA/month correlated with earlier timing and higher peak alanine aminotransferase levels of flares. ΔHBV DNA/month ≥2.5 log₁₀ IU/mL was an independent factor for severe off-TDF flare, and ≥1 log₁₀ IU/mL was a predictor for severe off-ETV flares.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater HBV DNA upsurge rate (ΔHBV DNA/month) ≥1 log₁₀ IU/mL is a key factor for an earlier onset and more severe flare. More frequent ΔHBV DNA/month ≥1 log₁₀ IU/mL in off-TDF than off-ETV flares may explain why off-TDF flare mostly occurred early and was more severe. More stringent monitoring in those with ΔHBV DNA/month ≥1 log₁₀ IU/mL at flare, especially ≥2.5 log₁₀ IU/mL in early off-TDF flares, is important for timely retreatment to prevent decompensation.

Hepatitis C Virus Reactivation in Anti-HCV Antibody-Positive Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Following Anti-HBV Therapies

Background and Aims: Whether hepatitis C virus (HCV) reactivation occurs and how the viral load evolves in anti-HCV antibody-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who underwent nucleos(t)ide analogue (Nuc) therapies remain unsolved. Methods: A cohort of 66 such patients was studied. Results: At the start of Nuc treatment (baseline), all patients had detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels (6.05 ± 1.88 log IU/mL), while HCV RNA levels (3.79 ± 1.43 log IU/mL) were detected (i.e., chronic hepatitis C (CHC)) in only 13 patients (19.7%). Following Nuc therapies, HBV DNA levels reached the nadirs at end of therapy (EOT) (6.05 ± 1.88 vs. 0.25 ± 0.99 log IU/mL, p < 0.0001) and relapsed at 6 months after EOT (6mEOT) at a level of 3.45 ± 2.64 log IU/mL compared with EOT (p < 0.0001). Among the 13 CHC patients, a non-significant decrease in HCV RNA was noted at EOT (3.52 ± 1.71 vs. 2.77 ± 2.63 log IU/mL, p = 0.166) but tended to decrease further at 6mEOT (2.77 ± 2.63 vs. 1.89 ± 2.06 log IU/mL, p = 0.063). Two of the thirteen CHC patients showed an increase in HCV-RNA ≥ 1 log10 IU/mL at EOT, and one of the fifty-three patients with undetectable HCV RNA at baseline (i.e., resolved past HCV infection) showed detectable HCV RNA at year 1 (3200 IU/mL) and year 2 (1240 IU/mL) following entecavir therapy. Conclusions: HCV reactivation did occur during HBV suppression, and the rate was 4.5% (3/66), 15.4% (2/13), and 1.9% (1/53), for all patients, CHC patients, and patients with resolved past HCV infection, respectively. The reverse HBV and HCV viral evolutions at 6mEOT indicate that HBV relapse may suppress HCV replication again.

Treatment Algorithm for Managing Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States: 2021 Update

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection remains the most frequent etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma globally as well as a major cause of cirrhosis. Despite vaccination, substantial numbers of persons have already been infected with hepatitis B virus and remain at risk of progressive liver disease.

METHODS

In 2004, a CHB management algorithm was developed by a panel of North American hepatologists, which was subsequently updated in 2006, 2008, and 2015. Since the most recent version, several developments have altered the management of CHB. Tenofovir alafenamide, with a more favorable safety profile than tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, has been introduced as an initial antiviral choice as well as an alternative for long-term therapy. Quantitation of hepatitis B surface antigen is becoming more widely available in clinical practice, with implications for monitoring response to treatment. Additionally, there has been a shift in how the natural history of CHB is perceived, as newer evidence has challenged the concept that during the immunotolerant phase of infection disease progression is not a concern. Finally, recent analyses indicate that in the United States, the average age of patients with CHB has increased, implying that the presence of comorbidities, including metabolic liver disease, increasing use of biologics associated with aging will increasingly affect disease management.

RESULTS

This updated algorithm is intended to serve as a guide to manage CHB while new antiviral strategies are developed.

CONCLUSIONS

Recommendations have been based on evidence from the scientific literature, when possible, as well as clinical experience and consensus expert opinion. Points of continued debate and areas of research need are also described.

On-therapy HBsAg kinetics can predict HBsAg loss after nucleos(t)ide analogues interruption in HBeAg-negative patients. The cup is half full and half empty

BACKGROUND

Nucleos(t)ide analogues withdrawal may improve HBsAg loss rates. However, conditions to select patients are not well established.

AIMS

to evaluate the impact of HBsAg kinetics before treatment interruption on post-treatment response.

METHODS

Longitudinal, ambispective study in non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B HBeAg-negative patients, analysing on-treatment and post-treatment HBsAg kinetics. On-treatment HBsAg kinetics diagnostic accuracy (AUROC) to identify HBsAg loss was evaluated.

RESULTS

52 HBeAg-negative patients stopped treatment after 8.2 years, and 6 (11.5%) achieved HBsAg loss one year after withdrawal. Multivariate analysis showed that on-treatment HBsAg kinetics was related to HBsAg loss (OR=0.10; 95%CI=0.016-0.632; p = 0.014) with a high diagnostic accuracy (AUROC=0.935). A significant HBsAg decline ≥1 log10 IU/mL showed a positive and negative predictive value of 50% and of 97.6%, respectively. After treatment interruption, HBsAg decline speed (log10 IU/mL/year) accelerated in patients treated >6 years (from -0.06 to -0.20, p<0.05) and remained stable in treated <6 years (from -0.12 to -0.12 p=ns).

CONCLUSIONS

On-treatment HBsAg kinetics can predict post-treatment HBsAg loss rate. Half of patients with a significant HBsAg decline can eliminate HBsAg the first year after withdrawal. Post-treatment HBsAg decline is faster not only in patients who lost the HBsAg but also in those who remain HBsAg-positive.

Correlation between Results of Semi-Quantitative and Quantitative Tests for Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen among Patients Achieving Viral Suppression with Antiviral Treatment

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a threat to global public health. Serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has been used in screening for HBV infection. Quantitative HBsAg assays are useful for monitoring the natural history of HBV infection and its response to therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between quantitative (qHBsAg; IU/mL) and semi-quantitative (sqHBsAg; signal-to-cutoff ratio [S/Co]) HBsAg titers in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: We retrospectively included 284 samples with HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL from patients who had simultaneous qHBsAg (using electrochemiluminescence assay) and sqHBsAg tests. Patients were grouped according to their serum HBV-envelope antigen (HBeAg) status (HBeAg-negative, n = 239 and HBeAg-positive, n = 45). The Spearman test was used to analyze the correlation between the quantitative and semi-quantitative assays. Results: There was a significant linear correlation between sqHBsAg and qHBsAg in the HBeAg-negative patients (qHBsAg [IU/mL] = 0.0094 × sqHBsAg [S/Co]1.323; adjusted R2 = 0.8445; p < 0.001). There was a substantial hook effect in the assays from the HBeAg-positive patients, so we performed a stratified analysis according to qHBsAg <1000 IU/mL or ≥1000 IU/mL and found a significant positive linear correlation between sqHBsAg S/Co and qHBsAg (qHBsAg [IU/mL] = 0.072 × sqHBsAg [S/Co]1.331; adjusted R2 = 0.7878; p < 0.001) in HBeAg-positive patients with qHBsAg titers of <1000 IU/mL and a significant negative correlation in HBeAg-positive patients with qHBsAg titers of ≥1000 IU/mL (qHBsAg [IU/mL] = 8.987 × 1014 × sqHBsAg [S/Co]−3.175; adjusted R2 = 0.6350; p < 0.001). Conclusions: There was a highly linear, positive correlation between qHBsAg and sqHBsAg in HBeAg-negative CHB patients. The hook effect led to a negative correlation in HBeAg-positive CHB patients with qHBsAg titers ≥1000 IU/mL.

Predictors of Virological Suppression After Clinical Relapse in Patients Who Discontinued Entecavir or Tenofovir

BACKGROUND

The predictors of persistent virological suppression after clinical relapse remain unclear.

AIMS

To investigate the predictors of retreatment or persistent virological suppression after clinical relapse in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who discontinued entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).

METHODS

A total of 243 hepatitis B e antigen-negative CHB patients without cirrhosis who experienced clinical relapse after entecavir or TDF cessation were enrolled.

RESULTS

Of the 243 CHB patients, 192 received retreatment and 51 did not receive retreatment after clinical relapse. Of the 51 patients without retreatment, 23 achieved persistent virological suppression (persistent HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL at least 2 years) and 10 experienced hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss. The Cox regression analysis showed that short consolidation duration, short duration of the first clinical relapse from the end of treatment (EOT), and high bilirubin and HBV DNA levels at the first clinical relapse were independent predictors of retreatment. Long duration of the first clinical relapse from the EOT and low HBsAg levels at the first clinical relapse were independent factors of patients with persistent virological suppression. The rates of persistent virological suppression at the first clinical relapse among patients with HBsAg < 100 and ≥ 100 IU/mL were 44.4% (12/27) and 5.1% (11/216) (P < 0.001), respectively. Baseline HBsAg levels and no retreatment requirement were independent factors associated with HBsAg loss.

CONCLUSIONS

The HBsAg of 100 IU/mL at the first clinical relapse could predict persistent virological suppression after clinical relapse in patients who discontinued entecavir or TDF therapy.

Comparable outcomes of decompensated chronic hepatitis B patients treated with entecavir or tenofovir: an 8-year cohort study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Whether the efficacies of entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in treating liver-related outcomes of decompensated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients are comparable remained inconclusive.

METHODS

An 8-year cohort study of 736 decompensated CHB patients was conducted, and 65 TDF-treated patients were sex, age and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores-1:4 matched with 260 ETV-treated patients through propensity score-matching method.

RESULTS

Of 736 patients, 574 (78%) were male, with a mean age of 54.3 years, 438 (59.5%) had cirrhosis, 147 (20%) were positive for HBeAg, and 84 (11.6%) and 652 (88.4%) were treated with TDF and ETV, respectively. The 652 ETV-treated patients were older, had higher baseline MELD score and rates of encephalopathy, but lower ALT levels than the 84 TDF-treated patients. No significant differences were observed in the cumulative incidences of liver-related mortality or liver transplantation (1-month, 18.45 vs. 14.01%, p = 0.368; 8-year, 39.74 vs. 34.24%, p = 0.298), and hepatocellular carcinoma development (5-year, 7.21 vs.13.17%, p = 0.994; 8-year, 11.60 vs.13.17%, p = 0.857) between the matched 260 ETV- and 65 TDF-treated patients, regardless of time points. Baseline MELD score (subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR): 1.063; 95% confidence interval (CI) of sHR: 1.016-1.112) and hepatic encephalopathy (sHR: 5.127; 95% CI sHR: 3.032-8.669) were independently associated with liver-related mortality or liver transplantation in the matched patients.

CONCLUSIONS

ETV and TDF had comparable efficacy in the short- and long-term liver-related outcomes of decompensated CHB patients, and baseline liver reserve was associated with the outcomes.

Serum soluble programmed death-1 levels predict the spontaneous HBeAg seroclearance in chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, earlier seroclearance of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is associated with more favorable outcomes. Soluble programmed cell death 1 (sPD-1) has been implicated in higher viral load and hepatocellular carcinoma. We investigated the association between sPD-1 levels and spontaneous HBeAg seroclearance.

METHODS

Baseline serum samples from 488 HBeAg-seropositive patients in the REVEAL-HBV cohort were tested for sPD-1 levels. Among them, 329 with available follow-up serum samples were further assayed. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the adjusted rate ratio (aRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) with adjustment of host and viral factors. The 66th percentile and an annual reduction of ≥ 10% were used as the cut-off point for baseline sPD-1 levels (high/low) and sPD-1 trajectory (decline/no decline), respectively.

RESULTS

Lower baseline sPD-1 levels [aRR (95% CI): 2.19 (1.47-3.27)] and long-term decline in sPD-1 levels [aRR (95% CI): 4.08 (2.79-5.97)] were both independent predictors for HBeAg seroclearance. However, further stratification analysis by HBV genotype showed that lower baseline sPD-1 levels were significantly associated with HBeAg seroclearance only in genotype C infection [aRR (95% CI): 4.47 (2.38-8.37)] but not in genotype B infection. On the other hand, long-term decline in sPD-1 levels was predictive for HBeAg seroclearance regardless of HBV genotype with aRR (95% CI) of 4.62 (2.71-7.88) and 2.95 (1.68-5.17), respectively, for genotypes B and C.

CONCLUSION

Serum sPD-1 levels may serve as a novel immunological predictor for spontaneous HBeAg seroclearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Kinetics in HBsAg after Stopping Entecavir or Tenofovir in Patients with Virological Relapse but Not Clinical Relapse

This study investigated the kinetics in HBsAg and the HBsAg loss rate after entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) cessation in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who achieved virological suppression after virological relapse without clinical relapse. A total 504 HBeAg-negative, non-cirrhotic patients who previously received entecavir or TDF with post-treatment and who were followed up for at least 30 months were included. Of the 504 patients, 128 achieved sustained virological suppression (Group I), and 81 experienced virological relapse without clinical relapse. Of the 81 patients, 52 had intermittent or persistent HBV DNA > 2000 IU/mL (Group II), and 29 achieved persistent virological suppression (HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL) for at least 1.5 years (Group III) after virological relapse. A generalized estimating equations analysis showed that Groups I and III experienced larger off-treatment HBsAg declines than Group II (both, p < 0.001). The post-treatment HBsAg declines of Group I and Group III were similar (p = 0.414). A multivariate analysis showed that there were no differences in the HBsAg change and HBsAg decline (p = 0.920 and 0.886, respectively) or HBsAg loss rate (p = 0.192) between Group I and Group III. The patients who achieved persistent viral suppression after HBV relapse without clinical relapse have a similar decline in HBsAg and the HBsAg loss rate as the sustained responders.

A dynamic nomogram to predict transplant-free mortality in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis and overt hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND

Overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) is a serious complication of liver disease. We aimed to develop a dynamic nomogram for estimating the probability of 30-day transplant-free mortality in patients with OHE and hepatitis B-related cirrhosis (HBC).

METHODS

We identified 402 patients with OHE and HBC at the Beijing Ditan Hospital between January 2011 and July 2016. Independent risk factors were determined using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. A dynamic nomogram was established to predict the probability of 30-day transplant-free mortality. The discrimination and clinical usefulness of the nomogram were estimated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) and calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. A prospective cohort of 208 patients was enrolled for validation.

RESULTS

The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were independently associated with the 30-day transplant-free mortality. The AUC values of the nomogram were 0.881 and 0.879 in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively, and the discrimination ability was superior to that of the established models. The calibration plot fitted the predicted survival and observed probabilities well. The incidence of mortality was 2.0% (3/151) in patients with MELD scores < 23 and NLR < 4, and 55.4% (41/92) in those with MELD scores ≥ 23 and NLR ≥ 4.

CONCLUSIONS

The dynamic nomogram can predict the risk of 30-day transplant-free mortality in patients with OHE and HBC. Patients with MELD scores ≥ 23 and NLR ≥ 4 have a high mortality rate and should be admitted to intensive care.