The HEP-NET B/C co-infection trial: A prospective multicenter study to investigate the efficacy of pegylated interferon-alpha2b and ribavirin in patients with HBV/HCV co-infection

Clinical study on the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination in hepatitis C virus related chronic liver diseases in Egypt

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) infections represent significant public health issues internationally. HBV vaccination has high sero-conversion rates in patients with mild to moderate chronic liver disease but has reduced efficacy in advanced stages.

AIM

to evaluate the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination in HCV-related chronic liver disease and identify possible factors that may contribute to hypo-responsiveness in those patients.

METHODS

Our study was a retrospective observational clinical study carried out at the tropical medicine department. It was conducted on 500 individuals (400 chronic HCV patients and 100 healthy controls). Individuals were divided into 5 groups: A (control group), B (cirrhotic patient not receiving treatment), C (chronic hepatitis patients receiving treatment), D (cirrhotic patients receiving treatment), and E (HCC patients receiving treatment). All individuals were subjected for comprehensive history taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and assessment of anti-HBs titer.

RESULTS

There is an inverse relationship between the level of anti-HBs Abs and the duration of vaccine. Diabetes and presence of cirrhosis have statistically significant relationship with serum anti-HBs Abs titer (P = 0.007). Oral DAAs therapy is associated with reduced response to HBV vaccine (only 31.75% of the patients were protected).

CONCLUSION

HCV infection and its complications significantly impair HBV vaccine response. Levels of anti-HBs Abs decline progressively with increasing duration from the last dose in immunization schedule of HBV vaccine. Diabetes and presence of cirrhosis being the main risk factors for vaccine hypo-responsiveness, also oral DAAs therapy is associated with reduced response to HBV vaccine.

Hepatitis B Virus X Protein Stimulates Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Replication by Protecting HCV Core Protein from E6AP-Mediated Proteasomal Degradation

Most clinical and experimental studies have suggested that hepatitis C virus (HCV) is dominant over hepatitis B virus (HBV) during coinfection, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we found that the HBV X protein (HBx) upregulates the levels of the HCV core protein to stimulate HCV replication during coinfection in human hepatoma cells. For this purpose, HBx upregulated both the protein levels and enzyme activities of cellular DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and DNMT3b, and this subsequently reduced the expression levels of the E6-associated protein (E6AP), an E3 ligase of the HCV core protein, via DNA methylation. The ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation of the HCV core protein was severely impaired in the presence of HBx, whereas this effect was not observed when E6AP was either ectopically expressed or restored by treatment with 5-aza-2'dC or DNMT1 knockdown. The effect of HBx on the HCV core protein was accurately reproduced in HBV/HCV coinfection systems, which were established by either monoinfection by HCV in Huh7D cells transfected with a 1.2-mer HBV replicon or coinfection by HBV and HCV in Huh7D-Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide cells, providing evidence for the stimulation of HCV replication by HBx. The present study may provide insights into understanding HCV dominance during HBV/HCV coinfection in patients. IMPORTANCE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are major human pathogens that cause a substantial proportion of liver diseases worldwide. As the two hepatotropic viruses have the same modes of transmission, coinfection is often observed, especially in areas and populations where HBV is endemic. High-risk populations include people who inject drugs. Both clinical and experimental studies have shown that HCV is more dominant than HBV during coinfection, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we show that HBV X protein (HBx) stimulates HCV replication by inhibiting the expression of E6-associated protein (E6AP) via DNA methylation, thereby protecting the HCV core protein from proteasomal degradation, which can contribute to HCV dominance during HBV/HCV coinfection.

Hepatitis C virus core protein inhibits hepatitis B virus replication by downregulating HBx levels via Siah-1-mediated proteasomal degradation during coinfection

Most clinical and experimental studies have suggested that hepatitis C virus (HCV) is dominant over hepatitis B virus (HBV) during coinfection, although the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we found that HCV core protein inhibits HBV replication by downregulating HBx levels during coinfection in human hepatoma cells. For this effect, HCV core protein increased reactive oxygen species levels in the mitochondria and activated the ataxia telangiectasia mutated-checkpoint kinase two pathway in the nucleus, resulting in an upregulation of p53 levels. Accordingly, HCV core protein induced p53-dependent activation of seven in absentia homolog one expression, an E3 ligase of HBx, resulting in the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of HBx. The effect of the HCV core protein on HBx levels was accurately reproduced in both a 1.2-mer HBV replicon and in vitro HBV infection systems, providing evidence for the inhibition of HBV replication by HCV core protein. The present study may provide insights into the mechanism of HCV dominance in HBV- and HCV-coinfected patients.

Hepatitis C Virus and Hepatitis B Virus Co-Infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection can be encountered in either virus endemic countries. Co-infection can also be found in populations at risk of parenteral transmission. Previous studies demonstrated a high risk of liver disease progression in patients with HCV/HBV co-infection; thus, they should be treated aggressively. Previous evidence recommended therapy combining peginterferon (pegIFN) alfa and ribavirin for co-infected patients with positive HCV RNA. Recent trials further advise using direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the clearance of HCV in the co-infected patients. Reactivation of HBV has been observed in patients post-intervention, with higher risks and earlier onset in those having had HCV cured by DAA- versus pegIFN-based therapy. The mechanism of HBV reactivation is an interesting but unsolved puzzle. Our recent study revealed that in vitro HBV replication was suppressed by HCV co-infection; HBV suppression was attenuated when interferon signaling was blocked. In vivo, the HBV viremia, initially suppressed by the presence of HCV super-infection, rebounded following HCV clearance by DAA treatment and was accompanied by a reduced hepatic interferon response. In summary, major achievements in the treatment of HCV/HBV co-infection have been accomplished over the past 20 years. Future clinical trials should address measures to reduce or prevent HBV reactivation post HCV cure.

Low risk of HBV reactivation in a large European cohort of HCV/HBV coinfected patients treated with DAA

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence and clinical characteristics of HCV/HBV coinfection and to evaluate the rate of HBV-reactivation during anti-HCV therapy in a large real-world study.

METHODS

Analyzed population consisted of 10,152 chronic hepatitis C patients treated with DAA between 2015 and 2019 in a nationwide study. Prior to the DAA all subjects had HBsAg and 60% anti-HBc testing.

RESULTS

111 of 10,152 patients (1.1%) had detectable HBsAg and 1239 of 6139 (20.2%) anti-HBcAb. The prevalence of occult hepatitis B was 0.48%. HCV/HBV patients were younger with a higher proportion of males, HIV-coinfected, and advanced fibrosis. They were less often diagnosed with diabetes but more often with chronic kidney disease. In HBsAg(+) subjects with baseline HBV-DNA available 6/102 (5.9%) HBV-reactivations during or after DAA therapy were observed, and in two (1.9%) significant hepatic flares were noted. In HBsAg(-)/anti-HBc(+) group 2 (0.16%) reactivations were observed only in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

DISCUSSION

Data from a large European cohort suggest a relatively low risk of HBV-reactivation during DAA-therapy for HCV infection in HBsAg(+) patients. In HBsAg(-)/anti-HBc(+) HBV-reactivation seems to be limited to subjects with immunodeficiency. Importantly, previous exposure to HBV and occult hepatitis B is present in a significant proportion of HCV-infected.

Behaviour of occult HBV infection in HCV-infected patients under treatment with direct-acting antivirals

BACKGROUND

There is controversial data on possible occult HBV reactivation in HCV patients successfully treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAA). However, diagnosis of occult HBV infection (OBI) was not performed by gold standard procedures in any study.

METHODS

By using several highly sensitive assays, we examined serially collected serum samples from 40 HBV-surface-negative DAA-treated HCV patients with OBI identified by testing liver biopsy specimens through nested-PCR technique. Serum samples were obtained at four time points from each patient (at baseline, at 4 weeks after starting, at the end and 12 weeks after stopping therapy) and tested for HBV DNA by nested-PCR and real-time PCR techniques.

RESULTS

All tested serum samples were negative by both quantitative HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV core-related antigen assays. 26/40 patients were anti-HBs-positive and in all of them, the amount of this antibody was stable at the four time points evaluated. Serum HBV DNA was detected in 10 samples at baseline, in 6 samples 4 weeks after starting therapy, in 11 samples at the end of therapy and in 21 samples 12 weeks after stopping treatment (P=0.001). Aminotransferase values dropped within the normal levels at week 4 of therapy and persisted normal over time in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

A slight increase in the amount of HBV DNA 3 months after stopping DAA therapy was the only parameter showing a possible reappearance of HBV activity in OBI patients cured for a concomitant HCV infection, but it was insufficient to lead toward a virological reactivation capable of inducing liver injury.

HBV/HCV Coinfection in the Era of HCV-DAAs

Epidemiologic studies suggest that 10% to 15% of patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are coinfected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the United States as a result of the shared modality of transmission, but the true prevalence is not known. The progression of liver disease to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is generally faster in patients who are coinfected, and HCV is usually more predominant. Immunosuppression of the host or eradication of hepatitis C can change this paradigm, causing hepatitis B reactivation. This review describes HCV-HBV viral interactions, risks for reactivation, screening, and society guidelines for surveillance and treatment.

Hepatitis B Virus Molecular Epidemiology, Host-Virus Interaction, Coinfection, and Laboratory Diagnosis in the MENA Region: An Update

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an enveloped partial double-stranded DNA virus that can cause acute and chronic hepatitis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 257 million people are living with HBV. Moreover, 20,900 acute hepatitis B cases were reported in 2016. Hepatitis B is highly prevalent in the African, Western Pacific, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and European regions, respectively. Due to the high mutational rate of HBV and lack of reverse transcriptase proofreading activity, ten different genotypes with different geographical distributions have been identified. HBV pathogenesis and severity of infection depend on several host and viral factors, particularly, the genetic variability of both the host and virus. Although HBV infection is a global health concern, there is a lack of adequate studies and reports in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Here, we provide a review on HBV epidemiology, pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, coinfection with selected viruses, and laboratory diagnosis, focusing on studies conducted in the MENA region to determine the current situation of the HBV infection and outline the future study areas.

Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation Among Patients Treated With Ledipasvir-Sofosbuvir for Hepatitis C Virus Infection

BACKGROUND

Direct acting antiviral (DAA) agents are the standard of care for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected individuals. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation during HCV treatment has been reported, the incidence and clinical outcome remains unclear. The aim of our study is to examine the risk of HBV reactivation in actively infected or previously exposed patients during or after HCV treatment with DAAs.

METHODS

Adults with chronic HCV infection previously exposed or actively infected with HBV and treated with DAAs between December 2015 to 2016 were included. Electronic medical records were reviewed for HCV treatment dates, HCV treatment response, DAA used, HBV status, and concurrent HBV treatment. Primary end-point was to determine the risk of HBV reactivation during or up to 3 months after DAA treatment.

RESULTS

We identified 283 patients, and 100% of patients completed HCV treatment with ledipasvir-sofosbuvir. 93% had HCV genotype-1 of whom 91% achieved sustained viral response at 12 weeks posttreatment (SVR-12). In total, 7% had HCV genotype-4 who achieved SVR-12 of 84%. Mean (±SD) age was 59.7 (±7) years, and 58% were male. A total of 45% of patients had hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) positive and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative. In total, 55% of patients had a positive HBsAg before HCV DAA treatment. No HBV reactivation was encountered in the (HBcAb) positive HBsAg-negative cohort nor in the (HBsAg) positive group with 95% confidence interval (0-0.023) and (0-0.019), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In our study of patients with HCV and isolated hepatitis B core or HBsAg positivity, no HCV patients treated with DAA experienced HBV reactivation.

Hepatitis B reactivation in patients receiving direct-acting antiviral therapy or interferon-based therapy for hepatitis C: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To assess the incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients receiving direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA)-based therapy or interferon (IFN)-based therapy for hepatitis C and the effectiveness of preemptive anti-HBV therapy for preventing HBV reactivation.

METHODS

The PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched, and 39 studies that reported HBV reactivation in HBV/hepatitis C virus coinfected patients receiving DAA-based therapy or IFN-based therapy were included. The primary outcome was the rate of HBV reactivation. The secondary outcomes included HBV reactivation-related hepatitis and the effectiveness of preemptive anti-HBV treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues. The pooled effects were assessed using a random effects model.

RESULTS

The rate of HBV reactivation was 21.1% in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patients receiving DAA-based therapy and 11.9% in those receiving IFN-based therapy. The incidence of hepatitis was lower in HBsAg-positive patients with undetectable HBV DNA compared to patients with detectable HBV DNA receiving DAA therapy (RR = 0.20, 95%CI: 0.06-0.64, P = 0.007). The pooled HBV reactivation rate in patients with previous HBV infection was 0.6% for those receiving DAA-based therapy and 0 for those receiving IFN-based therapy, and none of the patients experienced a hepatitis flare related to HBV reactivation. Preemptive anti-HBV treatment significantly reduced the potential risk of HBV reactivation in HBsAg-positive patients undergoing DAA-based therapy (RR = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.1-0.96, P = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

The rate of HBV reactivation and hepatitis flare occurrence is higher in HBsAg-positive patients receiving DAA-based therapy than in those receiving IFN-based therapy, but these events occur less frequently in patients with previous HBV infection. Preemptive anti-HBV treatment is effective in preventing HBV reactivation.

Impact of diabetes mellitus and hepatitis B virus coinfection on patients with chronic hepatitis C: A territory-wide cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Studies have demonstrated a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Furthermore, coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common because of its endemicity in Asian-Pacific regions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of DM and HBV coinfection on the clinical outcomes in Chinese CHC patients.

METHODS

A territory-wide cohort study was conducted using the database from Hospital Authority, the sole public medical service provider in Hong Kong. CHC patients were identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes, diagnosed between 2000 and 2012. The primary outcome was overall mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 7149 CHC patients were included. Seven hundred twenty-two (10.1%) patients were coinfected with HBV. Their mean age was 56 years; 69.0% were men. The prevalence of DM was similar in mono-infection and coinfection cohorts (22.3% and 21.3%, respectively). Multivariable analysis identified DM as an independent risk factor for death and antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) as an independent protective factor against death. The 5-year survival of CHC patients with mono-infection was better than that of HBV coinfected patients (62.5% vs 57.0%; P = 0.001). The 5-year survival of patients who did or did not receive antiviral treatment for HCV was 94.7% and 55.2%, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatitis B virus coinfection and DM were independent risk factors for death in Hong Kong CHC patients. Antiviral treatment for HCV but not HBV was a protective factor against death.

Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Tanzania: Current Status and Challenges

Hepatitis B is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world with high prevalence in most of sub-Saharan Africa countries. The complexity in its diagnosis and treatment poses a significant management challenge in the resource-limited settings including Tanzania, where most of the tests and drugs are either unavailable or unaffordable. This mini review aims at demonstrating the current status of the disease in the country and discussing the concomitant challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

The negative impact of HBV/HCV coinfection on cirrhosis and its consequences

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) confection has been rarely studied in nonasian series.

AIM

To compare the characteristics of HBV/HCV coinfected patients to those of HBV- or HCV-monoinfected patients in the ANRS CO22 HEPATHER cohort study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of the 20 936 included patients, 95 had HBV/HCV coinfection (hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-HCV antibody and HCV RNA positive) and were matched with 375 HBV- and 380 HCV-monoinfected patients on age, gender and time since HBV or HCV diagnosis.

RESULTS

F3-F4 fibrosis was more frequent in coinfected patients (58%) than in HBV- (32%, P < .0001), but similar in HCV-monoinfected patients (52%, P = .3142). Decompensated cirrhosis was more frequent in coinfected patients (11%) than in HBV- (2%, P = .0002) or HCV- (4%, P = .0275) monoinfected patients. Past excessive alcohol use was more frequent in coinfected patients (26%) than in HBV (12%, P = .0011), but similar in HCV monoinfected patients (32%, P = .2868). Coinfected patients had a higher proportion with arterial hypertension (42%) than HBV- (26%) or HCV-monoinfected patients (25%) (P < .003). Multivariable analysis confirmed the association between F3-F4 fibrosis and HCV infection in HBV-infected patients (OR = 3.84, 95% CI 1.99-7.43) and the association between decompensated cirrhosis and coinfection in HBV infected (OR = 5.58, 95% CI 1.42-22.0) or HCV infected patients (OR = 3.02, 95% CI 1.22-7.44).

CONCLUSIONS

HCV coinfection harmfully affects liver fibrosis in HBV patients, while decompensated cirrhosis is increased in coinfected patients compared with HBV- or HCV-monoinfected patients. HCV treatment is as safe and effective in coinfected as monoinfected patients and should be considered following the same rules as HCV monoinfected patients.

Developing multicenter consortia in liver disease in Latin America: Challenges and opportunities

The development of consortia has been useful for exploring challenging scenarios and uncharted territories in liver disease treatments. Several consortia already developed in the United States and Europe have become key factors in patient care decision-making processes and medical education, and they have also impacted policy makers' decisions. In Latin America, the situation is different. As a result of a combination of different factors, our region has not been able to develop networking advantages in research and education in liver diseases. Thus far, most of the initial experiences focused on the development of collaborative groups established to investigate a particular topic, which were dissolved once the questions were answered. It is the aim of this review to describe those difficulties we confront in developing multicenter liver consortia in Latin America, to identify those challenges we face, and also to describe the opportunities we have for improvement. Liver Transplantation 23 1210-1215 2017 AASLD.

No evidence of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with resolved infection treated with direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C in a large real-world cohort

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation has been observed following interferon (IFN)-based treatment in HBV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infected patients. Recent reports suggest that reactivation may also occur in both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive and HBsAg-negative patients during HCV treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).

AIM

To investigate the rate of patients with HBV reactivation during IFN-based and IFN-free HCV treatment in a large real-world cohort.

METHODS

A total of 848 patients with chronic hepatitis C were treated with different combinations of DAAs. Among patients with available outcome and HBV data, there were 272 patients hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)-positive (HBsAg-positive, n=9; HBsAg-negative, n=263), and 536 were HBcAb-negative. All HBcAb-positive patients were tested for HBV DNA at the end of DAA therapy and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were frequently measured during therapy and follow-up.

RESULTS

Seventy-three percent (n=192/263) of HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-positive patients had elevated ALT levels at baseline, which declined to normal values in all but 18 patients, and no HBV reactivation was observed. Eight patients had detectable but not quantifiable HBV DNA (<20 IU/mL) at end of treatment, but none were associated with elevated ALT. Five of nine HBsAg-positive/HBcAb-positive patients experienced transient or permanent HBV reactivation, three of whom required nucleos(t)ide treatment during (n=1) or after (n=2) DAA therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

HBV reactivation was not observed in HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-positive patients but common in HBsAg-positive/HBcAb-positive patients treated with different combinations of DAAs for HCV.

Hepatitis B reactivation in hepatitis B and C coinfected patients treated with antiviral agents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

There is an increased awareness of hepatitis B (HBV) reactivation in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients coinfected with HBV treated with pan-oral direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the rate of HBV reactivation in CHC patients coinfected with overt HBV (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] positive) and occult HBV (HBsAg negative with positive HBV DNA) infection separately, treated with interferon (IFN)-based therapy to those with pan-oral DAAs. The primary outcome was HBV reactivation, and the secondary outcomes included hepatitis due to HBV reactivation, sustained virologic response (SVR) for CHC, loss of HBV DNA and HBsAg seroclearance. Although the pooled incidence rate of HBV reactivation, among CHC patients with overt HBV (n = 779), was similar among those treated with IFN-based therapy (14.5%, P < 0.001) and DAAs (12.2%, P = 0.03; P = 0.91 for heterogeneity between subgroups), it was reported to occur much earlier in those treated with DAAs (4-12 weeks during treatment) than in those treated with IFN-based therapies (most at the end of treatment and some during follow-up). Also, studies with DAA-based therapies were more likely to report incidence of hepatitis due to HBV reactivation (12.2% in DAAs vs. 0% in IFN; P = 0.009 for heterogeneity between subgroups). HBV reactivation and hepatitis due to HBV reactivation also occurred, though less frequently in CHC patients with occult HBV infection. CHC SVR was not affected by HBV reactivation (P = 0.27).

CONCLUSION

HBV reactivation occurs earlier and is clinically more significant in CHC patients coinfected with overt and occult HBV who are treated with pan-oral DAAs compared with IFN-based therapy. It is therefore important to have all patients screened for evidence of overt or occult HBV infection and managed during pan-oral DAAs therapy. (Hepatology 2017;66:13-26).

后DAA时代抗HCV治疗的现状及存在问题

近年来, 由于直接抗病毒药物(direct-acting antiviral agents, DAAs)具有高效、使用方便、不良反应小、疗程短、临床治愈率高的优点, 使其在临床的应用越来越广泛. 许多著名的制药公司对其研究不断, 其上市及更新的速度未减. 随着DAAs的广泛应用及指南更新, 抗丙型肝炎病毒(hepatitis C virus, HCV)的治疗已经步入全口服药物时期, 即已经步入后DAA时代. 但在使用DAAs抗HCV治疗过程中存在许多问题, 使用时需谨慎.

Hepatitis C Treatment and Barriers to Eradication

Current treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is highly efficacious, well-tolerated, and of short duration for the majority of patients. Despite the dramatic advances in therapy, there remain several barriers to disease eradication. These include deficiencies in screening, diagnosis, and access to care, and high cost of the direct-acting antiviral medications. In addition, incident cases and reinfection associated with injection drug use contribute to the persistent worldwide disease burden. This article will review the current CHC treatments, and outline the remaining gaps in therapy and barriers to disease eradication.

Long-term efficacy of Peg-Interferon/Ribavirin with and without Lamivudine therapy for HBeAg-positive hepatitis B and C dual infection

BACKGROUND

The optimal therapeutic strategy for hepatitis B virus (HBV) e antigen (HBeAg)-seropositive and hepatitis C virus (HCV) dually infected patients remains unknown. We aimed to elucidate the effectiveness of peginterferon (Peg-IFN)/ribavirin (RBV) with and without lamivudine (LAM) combination therapy in the clinical settings.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nine patients seropositive for HBV surface antigen, HBeAg, antibodies to HCV and HCV RNA for >6 months were treated with Peg-IFN/RBV with (n = 5) and without (n = 4) a 12-month LAM add-on therapy at treatment week 12. The treatment duration of Peg-IFN/RBV was 24 weeks (HCV genotype 1 [HCV-1] with rapid virological response [RVR] or HCV-2) or 48 weeks (HCV-1 without RVR). Primary endpoints included HBeAg loss and HCV-sustained virological response (SVR).

RESULTS

All of the nine patients had undetectable HCV RNA at treatment weeks 4 and 12 and end-of-Peg-IFN/RBV therapy. However, SVR was achieved in 100% of patients treated with triple therapy, compared with only 50% in those with Peg-IFN/RBV therapy (P = 0.167). The 3-year durability of HCV SVR was 100%. HBeAg loss and HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL at 6 months post-LAM treatment were found in 100% and 40% of patients treated with triple therapy, compared with none of the four patients with Peg-IFN/RBV therapy achieved any HBV responses. Of the five patients with triple therapy, four had persistent HBeAg loss during 3-year follow-up period; one developed HBeAg seroreversion 15 months after treatment.

CONCLUSION

For HBeAg-positive HBV/HCV dually infected patients, Peg-IFN/RBV was effective for HCV eradication. Add-on LAM might promote HBeAg loss in the clinical setting.

Asian-Pacific clinical practice guidelines on the management of hepatitis B: a 2015 update

Worldwide, some 240 million people have chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), with the highest rates of infection in Africa and Asia. Our understanding of the natural history of HBV infection and the potential for therapy of the resultant disease is continuously improving. New data have become available since the previous APASL guidelines for management of HBV infection were published in 2012. The objective of this manuscript is to update the recommendations for the optimal management of chronic HBV infection. The 2015 guidelines were developed by a panel of Asian experts chosen by the APASL. The clinical practice guidelines are based on evidence from existing publications or, if evidence was unavailable, on the experts' personal experience and opinion after deliberations. Manuscripts and abstracts of important meetings published through January 2015 have been evaluated. This guideline covers the full spectrum of care of patients infected with hepatitis B, including new terminology, natural history, screening, vaccination, counseling, diagnosis, assessment of the stage of liver disease, the indications, timing, choice and duration of single or combination of antiviral drugs, screening for HCC, management in special situations like childhood, pregnancy, coinfections, renal impairment and pre- and post-liver transplant, and policy guidelines. However, areas of uncertainty still exist, and clinicians, patients, and public health authorities must therefore continue to make choices on the basis of the evolving evidence. The final clinical practice guidelines and recommendations are presented here, along with the relevant background information.

Personalized Therapy of Chronic Hepatitis C and B Dually Infected Patients With Pegylated Interferon Plus Ribavirin: A Randomized Study

We aimed to investigate whether response-guided therapy (RGT) with peginterferon-alpha plus ribavirin by using hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype, pretreatment HCV RNA levels, and rapid virological response (RVR, undetectable HCV RNA at treatment week 4) could be applied for active HCV/hepatitis B virus (HBV) dually infected patients, without compromised the treatment efficacy.A total of 203 patients, seropositive of HCV antibody, HCV RNA and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), and seronegative for HBV e antigen for >6 months, were randomized to receive peginterferon-alpha/ribavirin by either genotype-guided therapy (GGT, n = 102: HCV genotype 1 [HCV-1], 48 weeks; HCV-2/3, 24 weeks) or RGT (n = 101: HCV-1, 48 or 24 weeks if patients with baseline VL <400,000 IU/mL and RVR; HCV-2/3, 24 or 16 weeks if patients with RVR). The primary endpoint was HCV-sustained virological response (SVR).The HCV SVR rate was comparable between the GGT (77.5%, 79/102) and RGT groups (70.3%, 71/101, P = 0.267), either among HCV-1/HBV (69.4% [43/62] vs 63.5% [40/63], P = 0.571) or among HCV-2/3/HBV (90.0% [36/40] vs 81.6% [31/38], P = 0.342) dually infected patients based on intention-to-treat analysis. In HCV-1/HBV dually infected patients, RVR (odds ratio [OR]: 6.05; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.148-17.025, P = 0.001) and lower pretreatment blood glucose levels (OR: 0.97; CI: 0.944-0.989, P = 0.003) were independent predictors of HCV SVR. Although RVR (OR: 10.68; CI: 1.948-58.514, P = 0.006) was the only significant factor associated with HCV SVR in HCV-2/3/HBV dually infected patients. HBsAg loss at 1 year posttreatment was observed in 17 of 185 (9.2%) patients. The rates of discontinuation and adverse events were similar between the 2 groups.RGT with peginterferon-alpha/RBV may be considered for HBeAg-negative HBV/HCV dually infected patients.

Indian National Association for Study of the Liver (INASL) Guidance for Antiviral Therapy Against HCV Infection in 2015

Overall prevalence of HCV infection in India has been estimated to be approximately 1.3% in the general population. Recent introduction of sofosbuvir in India at a relatively affordable price has led to great optimism about prospects of cure for these patients. This drug is likely to form the backbone of current and future treatment regimes for HCV infection, displacing pegylated interferon. Availability of directly acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) has necessitated revision of INASL guidelines for the treatment of HCV published in 2014, as has happened across the world. Current considerations for the treatment of HCV in India include the poorer response of genotype 3, nonavailability of many of the DAAs recommended by other guidelines and the cost of therapy. Since only one DAA, sofosbuvir, is available in India, only two sofosbuvir-based regimes are possible: either dual drug therapy in combination with ribavirin alone for 6 months or triple drug therapy in combination with ribavirin and pegylated interferon for 3 months. The utility of these regimes in various situations has been discussed. Availability of a few other newer DAAs, expected in 2016, is expected to lead to more widespread use of these agents. Current guidance will be updated once newer DAAs, newer evidence with DAAs and 'real-life experience' with use of DAAs accumulate in India.

Perspectives on dual hepatitis B and C infection in Taiwan

Dual hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is not rare in HBV or HCV endemic areas, and can be found in populations at risk of parenteral viral transmission. Clinical observatory studies suggest a higher risk of liver disease progression in patients with dual HCV/HBV infection than in HBV or HCV monoinfected patients. Recent trials confirmed that combination therapy of peginterferon alfa-2a or alfa-2b and ribavirin was effective and safe in dually infected patients with positive HCV RNA. Moreover, about 30% of the dually infected patients cleared hepatitis B surface antigen within 5 years after the start of peginterferon-based therapy. The optimal treatment strategies for dually infected patients with active hepatitis B, with decompensated cirrhosis, or in other clinical situations should be explored in further studies. Finally, the advent of new direct-acting antiviral-based anti-HCV therapy may lead to the development of strategies for the treatment of dually infected patients with active hepatitis C, particularly for those not tolerating or not eligible for peginterferon-based therapy. Notably, direct-acting antivirals would not have any activity against HBV infection; simultaneous or on-demand nucleos(t)ide analogs would be needed if clinically indicated.

MiR-122 in hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus dual infection

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are the most common causes of chronic liver diseases and hepatocelluar carcinomas. Over the past few years, the liver-enriched microRNA-122 (miR-122) has been shown to differentially regulate viral replication of HBV and HCV. It is notable that the level of miR-122 is positively and negatively regulated by HCV and HBV, respectively. Consistent with the well-documented phenomenon that miR-122 promotes HCV accumulation, inhibition of miR-122 has been shown as an effective therapy for the treatment of HCV infection in both chimpanzees and humans. On the other hand, miR-122 is also known to block HBV replication, and HBV has recently been shown to inhibit miR-122 expression; such a reciprocal inhibition between miR-122 and HBV suggests an intriguing possibility that miR-122 replacement may represent a potential therapy for treatment of HBV infection. As HBV and HCV have shared transmission routes, dual infection is not an uncommon scenario, which is associated with more advanced liver disease than either HBV or HCV mono-infection. Thus, there is a clear need to further understand the interaction between HBV and HCV and to delineate the role of miR-122 in HBV/HCV dual infection in order to devise effective therapy. This review summarizes the current understanding of HBV/HCV dual infection, focusing on the pathobiological role and therapeutic potential of miR-122.

Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus dual infection

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) share common mode of transmission and both are able to induce a chronic infection. Dual HBV/HCV chronic coinfection is a fairly frequent occurrence, especially in high endemic areas and among individuals at high risk of parenterally transmitted infections. The intracellular interplay between HBV and HCV has not yet been sufficiently clarified, also due to the lack of a proper in vitro cellular model. Longitudinal evaluation of serum HBV DNA and HCV RNA amounts has revealed that complex virological profiles may be present in coinfected patients. Dual HBV/HCV infection has been associated to a severe course of the liver disease and to a high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the clinical importance, solid evidence and clear guidelines for treatment of this special population are still lacking. This review summarizes the available data on the virological and clinical features as well as the therapeutic options of the dual HBV/HCV infection, and highlights the aspects that need to be better clarified.

Advances in the treatment of hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus coinfection

INTRODUCTION

Patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection are at a high risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and consequently, warrant effective treatment.

AREAS COVERED

Effective treatment should eradicate HCV infection and inhibit HBV replication but without serious adverse reactions. Careful evaluation of disease progression, predominance of one virus over another, comorbidities and concomitant hepatitis delta virus and/or HIV infection are essential for better therapy choices. In the case of HCV predominance, Peg-interferon plus ribavirin with or without a first-generation directly acting antiviral (DAA) should be the first choice, but future treatments will be DAA-based and interferon-free. In the case of HBV predominance, tenofovir or entecavir should be part of treatment. Patients should be closely monitored for early identification and treatment of HCV or HBV reactivation.

EXPERT OPINION

High potency and high genetic barrier nucleos(t)ide analogues to inhibit HBV replication have been used for years, with no urgency for new drugs. Several DAAs for interferon-free therapy for HCV eradication will be available in the near future. We hope that the high cost of these drugs will not be a limitation to their use in developing countries. Further investigation of HBV/HCV interaction is needed before and during the administration of new therapies.

Consensus Statement of HCV Task Force of the Indian National Association for Study of the Liver (INASL). Part II: INASL Recommendations for Management of HCV in India

The estimated prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in India is between 0.5 and 1.5% with hotspots showing much higher prevalence in some areas of northeast India, in some tribal populations and in certain parts of Punjab. Genotype 3 is the most prevalent type of infection. Recent years have seen development of a large number of new molecules that are revolutionizing the treatment of hepatitis C. Some of the new directly acting agents (DAAs) like sofosbuvir have been called game-changers because they offer the prospect of interferon-free regimens for the treatment of HCV infection. These new drugs have not yet been approved in India and their cost and availability is uncertain at present. Till these drugs become available at an affordable cost, the treatment that was standard of care for the whole world before these newer drugs were approved should continue to be recommended. For India, cheaper options, which are as effective as the standard-of-care (SOC) in carefully selected patients, are also explored to bring treatment within reach of poorer patients. It may be prudent to withhold treatment at present for selected patients with genotype 1 or 4 infection and low levels of fibrosis (F1 or F2), and for patients who are non-responders to initial therapy, interferon intolerant, those with decompensated liver disease, and patients in special populations such as stable patients after liver and kidney transplantation, HIV co-infected patients and those with cirrhosis of liver.

Role of interleukin 28-B in the spontaneous and treatment-related clearance of HCV infection in patients with chronic HBV/HCV dual infection

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the role of IL28-B polymorphism in the clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)/HCV coinfection during a long-term follow-up. Thirty-four consecutive patients with HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive/anti-HCV-positive chronic hepatitis were retrospectively enrolled at their first liver biopsy (LB). For all patients, a documented clinical, serological and virological follow-up of at least 3 years (range 3-16 years) after LB and a sample of whole blood for genetic evaluation were available. Of the 24 patients with detectable serum HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA at their first observation, three cleared both HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA, 12 HCV-RNA and five HBV-DNA. Of the seven HBV DNA-positive/HCV RNA-negative patients at enrolment, three cleared HBV-DNA and one remained HBV DNA-positive and became HCV RNA-positive. All three HBV DNA-negative/HCV RNA-positive patients remained unchanged. Compared with the 12 patients with HCV persistence, the 15 patients who cleared HCV were younger, had lower serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), HCV load, and histological activity index (HAI) and fibrosis score, more frequently had IL28-B CC variant, had been receiving an interferon-based treatment and less frequently cleared serum HBV-DNA. To investigate the relationship between the IL28-B variants and clearance of HCV, excluding the confounding effect of interferon-based treatment, the Mantel-Haenszel test was used, which indicated an association between HCV clearance and IL28-B variants (p = 0.009). In chronic HBV/HCV coinfection, a long-term follow-up showed a frequent spontaneous or treatment-related clearance of active replication of one or both viruses and identified the IL28-B CC genotype as an independent predictor of HCV clearance.

Updates on the treatment and outcomes of dual chronic hepatitis C and B virus infection

Dual hepatitis C virus (HCV)/hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is found in HBV or HCV endemic areas, and in specific populations exhibiting a high risk of parenteral viral transmission. Clinical observations have revealed that HCV/HBV dually infected patients demonstrate a higher risk of liver disease progression compared with HBV or HCV monoinfected patients. The viral activity responsible for liver disease progression can be determined by examining the viral loads of HCV and HBV and by conducting liver biopsy examinations. Recent trials have confirmed that the combination therapy of peginterferon alpha-2a or 2b and ribavirin for dual hepatitis patients with HCV dominance appears to be as effective and safe as it is in patients with HCV monoinfections. Strikingly, approximately 60% of dually infected patients with inactive hepatitis B before treatment develop HBV reactivation after the clearance of the HCV. The clinical significance of this HBV reactivation and the strategy to prevent and treat this event should be determined. Furthermore, approximately 30% of dually infected patients lost hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) within 5 years after the start of peginterferon-based therapy, and 40% of them harbored occult HBV infection. The underlying mechanisms of their accelerating HBsAg seroclearance and the development of occult HBV await further investigations. Moreover, the optimal treatment strategies for dually infected patients who are seropositive for the hepatitis B e antigen must be explored. Finally, the advent of new direct-acting antiviral-based anti-HCV therapy may change the optimal therapies for patients with dual hepatitis in the near future, which warrants further clinical trials.

Treatment of patients with dual hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus infection: resolved and unresolved issues

Dual hepatitis C virus (HCV)/hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is not uncommon in HCV or HBV endemic areas and among subjects at risk of parenteral transmission. In patients dually infected with hepatitis C and B, the disease manifestations are usually more severe than those with either virus infection. In the past decade, the following issues have been resolved. In dually infected patients with active hepatitis C, combined pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin was effective, the treatment outcomes being similar to patients with HCV monoinfection. During long-term follow-up, the HCV response was sustained in around 97% of patients; and the long-term outcomes including the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver-related mortality were improved. However, several clinical issues remain to be resolved. First, host and viral factors influencing the long-term outcomes and treatment options in patients with dual HCV/HBV infection await further studies. Second, about 60% of dually infected patients with baseline undetectable serum HBV DNA levels develop HBV reactivation after the start of treatment. How to prevent and treat HBV reactivation should be clarified. Third, about 30% of dually infected patients lose hepatitis B surface antigen at 5 years after the end of combination therapy; the mechanisms need further investigations. Fourth, the optimal treatment strategies for dually infected patients with active hepatitis B or established cirrhosis should be explored in future clinical trials. Finally, the role of new direct-acting antiviral-based therapy for the treatment of patients with dual HCV/HBV infection also remains to be evaluated.

Co-infection with hepatitis B does not alter treatment response in chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND/AIM

To investigate the clinical features and treatment response in patients with hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection receiving anti-HCV therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Patients with HBV/HCV co-infection, who were eligible for anti-HCV therapy, were included in the study. Patients had detectable HBsAg for at least 6 months and detectable HCV-RNA before the initiation of therapy. Primary end-point was the proportion of patients achieving sustained virological response (SVR). HBV serology and HBV-DNA results obtained during the follow-up were assessed to determine HBV clearance or reactivation after anti-HCV therapy.

RESULTS

There were 612 patients in the HCV cohort and 52 (8.5%) of them were HBV/HCV co-infected. Twenty-eight patients (20 male, mean age: 47 ± 12) received anti-HCV treatment and followed-up for a mean duration of 53 months (12-156). Fifteen patients received peginterferon/ribavirin combination while the remaining patients received standard interferon/ribavirin combination (n=6) or standard interferon monotherapy (n=7). Patients receiving interferon monotherapy were under chronic hemodialysis therapy. SVR was achieved in 14 (50%) patients at the end of follow-up. The proportion of patients with SVR in three treatment arms were not significantly different (P=0.78). Eight of 11 patients with detectable HBV-DNA cleared HBV-DNA during treatment. Seven (25%) patients experienced a rebound in HBV-DNA, and one patient experienced an acute hepatitis flare which was controlled by tenofovir therapy. Two (7%) patients cleared HBsAg and one of them was seroconverted to anti-HBs.

CONCLUSION

Co-infection with HBV does not have a negative impact on the efficacy of anti-HCV treatment, but HBV-DNA should be monitored to overcome the risk of HBV exacerbation.

Systematic review: Asian patients with chronic hepatitis C infection

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is a risk factor for both the development of end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Globally, approximately 170 million people are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the majority of these individuals come from the western Pacific and Southeast Asia regions (94.6 million persons combined). CHC is an understudied and underappreciated health problem in many Asian countries and in the US, where Asians represent one of the fastest growing groups of new Americans.

AIM

To perform a systematic review of the current literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis and screening, clinical characteristics and response to anti-viral therapy of Asians with CHC.

METHODS

Using a PubMed search of 'hepatitis C' and 'Asia,' 341 original manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals were identified, and 99 were selected based on their relevance.

RESULTS

Many Asian CHC patients do not have easily identifiable risk factors and may be underdiagnosed. Rates of HCV infection in Asians on community screening in the US are unexpectedly high, and there is a high prevalence of HCV genotype 6 in Southeast Asia and Southern China. HCV-infected Asians tend to present at older age and may have higher risk of HCC; however, they respond better to anti-viral therapy than non-Asians across all HCV genotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the high HCV endemicity in Asia, lack of identifiable risk factors and favourable treatment response rates in Asians, we advocate the screening for HCV infection of all Asians who come from areas where HCV prevalence is ≥2%.

Management of chronic hepatitis B: Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver consensus guidelines

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a dynamic disease that is influenced by host and virological factors. The management of CHB has become more complex with the increasing use of long-term oral nucleos⁄tide analogue antiviral therapies and the availability of novel diagnostic assays. Furthermore, there is often a lack of robust data to guide optimal management such as the selection of therapy, duration of treatment, potential antiviral side effects and the treatment of special populations. In November 2011, the Canadian Liver Foundation and the Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver convened a consensus conference to review the literature and analyze published data, including other international expert guidelines on CHB management. The proceedings of the consensus conference are summarized and provide updated clinical practice guidelines to assist Canadian health care providers in the prevention, diagnosis, assessment and treatment of CHB.

Tolerability and efficacy of anti-HBV nucleos(t)ide analogues in HBV-DNA-positive cirrhotic patients with HBV/HCV dual infection

We evaluated tolerability and virological and clinical impact of anti-Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) nucleos(t)ide analogues in cirrhotic patients with HBV/Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) coinfection. The virological and clinical course of 24 consecutive HBsAg/HBV-DNA/anti-HCV-positive patients with cirrhosis was compared with that of 24 HBsAg/HBV-DNA-positive, anti-HCV-negative cirrhotic patients, pair-matched for age (±5 years), sex, HBeAg/anti-HBe status and Child-Pugh class. Patients in both groups were previously untreated with oral antiviral agents at enrollment and were treated for at least 24 months (range 24-54). At the 12th and 18th month of treatment, HBV-DNA was negative in 21 (87.5%) and 23 (95.8%) patients with hepatitis B and C and in 20 (83.3%) and 22 (91.6%) in patients with isolated HBV; all patients in both groups were HBV-DNA-negative at month 24 and at subsequent observations. Treatment was well tolerated by all patients in both groups. At the last observation (for co-infected patients, median 44 months and range 24-54; for mono-infected patients, median 40 months and range 24-54), a deterioration in Child class was observed in eight (47%) of 17 patients in patients with both HBV and HCV who were HCV-RNA-positive at baseline, but in none of seven HCV-RNA-negative patients in the same group, and in one patient (4.2%) in the mono-infected patients. Reactivation of HCV infection was relatively infrequent (12.5% of cases) and never associated with a clinical deterioration. Treatment with nucleotides in HBsAg/HBV-DNA/anti-HCV-positive patients with cirrhosis showed a favourable virological effect in all cases, but a favourable clinical result only in the HCV-RNA-negative at baseline.

Successful treatment of HCV/HBV/HDV-coinfection with pegylated interferon and ribavirin

Dual and triple infections with hepatitis virus C (HCV), B (HBV) and D (HDV) frequently lead to severe liver damage. Hereby we describe a 38-year-old Caucasian male coinfected with HCV (genotype 3a), HBV [positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen; negative hepatitis B e antigen (HbeAg) and antibody to hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe)] and HDV. Laboratory diagnostics revealed increased liver enzymes and histological examination of the liver showed signs of fibrosis with moderate inflammation. On therapy with pegIFN-α2b and ribavirin HCV-RNA was undetectable at week 8. After week 24 the antiviral therapy was stopped because of a HBs-seroconversion, the loss of HbeAg and the detection of anti-HBe. Furthermore the HCV-RNA was negative. Six months after successful treatment of the triple-infection, HCV- and HDV-RNA and HbsAg remained negative and the liver enzymes had been completely normalized. In conclusion, pegylated-interferon plus ribavirin may be an effective therapy for HCV, HBV and HDV-coinfected patients.

Sustained HCV clearance by interferon-based therapy reduces hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B and C dually-infected patients

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have indicated that interferon (IFN) or pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin therapy can achieve sustained virological response (SVR) against HCV equally in dual HBV-HCV infection and in HCV monoinfection. Whether these therapies can reduce hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in dual HBV-HCV infection remains unclear.

METHODS

A total of 135 dually-infected patients with active hepatitis C receiving IFN or PEG-IFN plus ribavirin therapy were enrolled. The cumulative incidence of HCC was compared to that in 1,470 HCV-monoinfected patients.

RESULTS

Based on the Cox proportional hazards model, dual infection was an independent factor for HCC development in all 1,605 chronic hepatitis C patients with or without positive hepatitis B surface antigen receiving IFN or PEG-IFN plus ribavirin (hazard ratio (HR)=1.864, 95% CI 1.052-3.303; P=0.033). In dually-infected patients, HCC developed in 4 of 96 with HCV SVR and 11 of 39 without HCV SVR (P < 0.001) after a median follow-up of 4.6 years. Age (HR=1.175, 95% CI 1.070-1.291; P=0.001) and non-HCV-SVR (HR=7.874, 95% CI 2.375-26.32; P=0.001) were independent factors for HCC development. Subgroup analysis showed that HCC occurrence was lower in patients with HCV SVR and HBV DNA levels < 2,000 IU/ml at the end of treatment or follow-up compared to those with HCV SVR and HBV DNA levels ≥ 2,000 IU/ml (P=0.034) and those without HCV SVR (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Sustained HCV clearance by IFN or PEG-IFN plus ribavirin therapy may significantly reduce HCC in HBV-HCV dually-infected patients, whereas persistence or reactivation of HBV decreases the benefit of HCV SVR.