Influence of hepatitis C virus on the profiles of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Hepatitis C virus/Hepatitis B virus coinfection: Current prospectives

In endemic areas, hepatitis C virus (HCV)/hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection is common, and patients with coinfection have a higher risk of developing liver disease such as hepatocellular carcinoma, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. In such cases, HCV predominates, and HBV replication is suppressed by HCV. HCV core proteins and interferons that are activated by HCV are responsible for the suppression of HBV. Immunosuppression is also seen in patients with HCV and HBV coinfections. A decrease in HCV-neutralizing antibody response and circulation of Th1-like Tfh cells is observed in patients with HCV and HBV coinfection. Both viruses interacted in the liver, and treatment of HCV/HBV coinfection is genotype-based and complex due to the interaction of both viruses. In HCV-dominant cases, direct-acting antiviral drugs and peg interferon plus ribavirin are used for the treatment, with continuous monitoring of AST and ALT. HBV-dominant cases are less common and are treated with peg interferon and nucleoside nucleotide analogues with monitoring of AST and ALT. The SVR rate in HCV-HBV coinfection is higher than that in monoinfection when treated with direct-acting antiviral drugs. But there is a risk of reactivation of HBV during and after therapy. The rate of reactivation is lower in patients treated with direct-acting antiviral drugs as compared to those treated with peg interferon plus ribavirin. Biomarkers of HBV such as HBcrAg, HBV DNA and HBVpg RNA are not effective in the prediction of HBV reactivation; only the hepatitis B surface antigen titre can be used as a biomarker for HBV reactivation. HCV can also be reactive, but this is found in very rare cases in which HBV is present and is treated first.

Associations between serum glucose, insulin, insulin resistance and the risk of incident primary liver cancer or chronic liver disease mortality: a nested case-control study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the associations between pre-diagnostic levels of serum insulin, glucose and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and future risk of incident primary liver cancer (PLC) or chronic liver disease (CLD)-related mortality.

METHODS

We used a nested case-control design to evaluate subjects over 22 years of follow-up. Glucose, insulin, and three markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus were measured in fasting baseline serum from 119 incident PLCs, 157 CLD-death cases and 512 matched controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression to estimate the associations between insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR and the risk of PLC or CLD death.

RESULTS

Compared with the lowest quartile of insulin, multivariable adjusted models showed that subjects in the highest quartile had elevated odds of developing PLC (OR_Q4/Q1 = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.26-4.75, P_trend = 0.007), particularly in HBV-positive subjects (P_interaction = 0.040), and of CLD death (OR_Q4/Q1 = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.02-3.21, P_trend = 0.018). For glucose, in the HBV-positive group, subjects in the fourth quartile had an increased risk of PLC (OR_Q4/Q1 = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.07-4.60, P_trend = 0.009), and of CLD mortality (OR_Q4/Q1 = 1.75, 95% CI = 0.95-3.28, P_trend = 0.019). Subjects with the highest HOMA-IR values had a threefold risk of developing PLC (OR_Q4/Q1 = 2.94, 95% CI = 1.54-5.87, P_trend = 0.001), and a twofold risk of CLD death (OR_Q4/Q1 = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.25-3.94, P_trend = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that serum insulin and HOMA-IR could potentially be risk factors for PLC or CLD death.

The Predictive Role of Hepatitis B Biomarkers on HBV Reactivation following Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy in HBV/HCV Coinfected Patients

Hepatitis B and C (HBV/HCV) coinfected patients have a potential risk of hepatitis B reactivation (HBVr) after direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) treatment. The study intends to investigate the predictive role of HBV biomarkers in HBVr. Forty-six HBV/HCV coinfected patients receiving DAAs were enrolled. All patients completed treatment and follow-up to the 12th-week post-DAA treatment (P12). Blood samples were measured for HBV biomarkers, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg), and HBV pregenomic RNA (HBV pgRNA). The predictive factors for HBVr after DAA treatment were analyzed. Among 31 patients without nucleot(s)ide analogue (NA) treatment, seven (22.5%, 7/31) developed HBVr without hepatitis flare-up. Patients with HBVr had higher HBsAg titers than those without HBVr from baseline to P12 (p = 0.008, 0.009, 0.004, and 0.006 at baseline, week 4, end of treatment, and P12, respectively). The baseline HBsAg level was the only predictive factor associated with HBVr (HR, 2.303; 95% CI, 1.086−4.882; p = 0.030). In predicting HBVr, a baseline HBsAg titer > 20 IU/mL had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 85.7%, 75.0%, 50%, and 94.7%, respectively. No patient had HBVr if the baseline HBsAg titer was <8 IU/mL. Serum HBcrAg and HBV pgRNA levels had no role in predicting HBVr. In conclusion, HBV/HCV coinfected patients are at risk of HBVr after DAA treatment. The baseline HBsAg level was the predictive factor associated with HBVr. Patients with a baseline HBsAg titer < 8 IU/mL can be considered as not having HBVr.

Impact of HCV viremia on HBV biomarkers in patients coinfected with HBV and HCV

Backgrounds:

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) biomarkers reflect the status of HBV infection; however, their role in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C (HBV/HCV) coinfection remains unknown. This study evaluated the characteristics of HBV biomarkers in patients with chronic HBV/HCV coinfection.

Methods

One hundred untreated HBV/HCV coinfected patients were enrolled. Active viral infection was defined as viral load above 2000 U/L and 15 U/L for HBV and HCV, respectively. Blood samples were analyzed for HBV biomarkers, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg), HBV DNA, and HBV pregenomic RNA (HBV pgRNA). The impact of HCV viremia was also studied.

Results

A total of 15 patients were HBV-inactive/HCV-inactive, 63 patients were HBV-inactive/HCV-active, 14 patients were HBV-active/HCV-inactive and 8 patients were HBV-active/HCV-active. A total of 71 (71%) patients were active HCV and 22 (22%) were active HBV. HBsAg, HBcrAg, and HBV DNA correlated with each other (P < 0.001). HBV pgRNA displayed no correlations with HBV DNA, HBsAg, or HBcrAg. Patients with HCV viremia had significantly lower HBV DNA, HBsAg, and HBcrAg levels as well as higher HBV pgRNA levels and lower HBV DNA:pgRNA ratio than those without viremia (HBV DNA, P < 0.001; HBsAg, P = 0.015; HBcrAg, P = 0.006; HBV pgRNA, P = 0.073; and HBV DNA:pgRNA ratio, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In patients coinfected with HBV and HCV, HBsAg, HBcrAg, and HBV DNA significantly correlated with each other. HBV and HCV coinfected patients with HCV viremia have lower HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBcrAg, and HBV DNA:pgRNA ratio as well as higher HBV pgRNA levels.

Pharmacotherapeutic strategies for hepatitis B and hepatitis C coinfection

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) infection place a significant burden on the global health system, with chronic carriage leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV/HCV coinfection can be seen in highly endemic areas and present a heterogenous group given varying virologic profiles. Coinfected patients have a greater risk of advanced liver disease; hence, diagnosis and early antiviral therapy (AVT) should be a priority. Optimal treatment regimens for coinfected patients remain unknown with differing recommendations, particularly relating to the risk of HBV reactivation whilst on AVT for HCV.

AREAS COVERED

This article summarizes the available data on HBV/HCV coinfection with regards to epidemiology, virologic interactions, and risk of HBV reactivation. The authors also provide a framework for the assessment and treatment of coinfected patients.

EXPERT OPINION

There is a moderate risk of HBV reactivation in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive patients undergoing HCV direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment; however, clinically significant events are rare. The risk of HBV reactivation in HBsAg negative patients undergoing HCV DAA treatment is negligible. Thus, prophylactic HBV treatment in both groups is not required. The authors recommend close monitoring with HBV treatment if there is evidence of HBV reactivation or elevated alanine aminotransferase levels.

Long-term outcome of liver complications in patients with chronic HBV/HCV co-infection after antiviral therapy: a real-world nationwide study on Taiwanese Chronic Hepatitis C Cohort (T-COACH)

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The long-term outcome of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among patients dually infected with HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the long-term liver outcomes of HBV/HCV-coinfected patients after antiviral therapy.

METHODS

A total of 11,359 chronically HCV-infected patients with interferon-based therapy were registered in a nationwide Taiwanese Chronic Hepatitis C Cohort. A propensity score matched (PSM) cohort of HCV mono-infected (n = 7020) and HBV/HCV (n = 702) co-infected patients by age, sex, and fibrosis was recruited for outcome analysis. The primary outcome was liver-related complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver decompensation during a mean follow-up period of 4.44 years.

RESULTS

Among HBV/HCV co-infected patients, patients without HCV-SVR had a significantly higher 10-year cumulative incidence of major liver-related complications than those with HCV-SVR. However, among patients with HCV-SVR in the PSM cohort, the risk of major liver-related complications, both HCC and liver decompensation, did not differ between HBV/HCV co-infected and HCV mono-infected patients. Similar results were observed among those without HCV-SVR. A substantial lower risk of major liver-related complications was found in HBV/HCV co-infected patients with HCV SVR and subsequent anti-HBV nucleot(s)ide analogues treatment. Overall, factors associated with major liver-related complications included age ≥ 65 year-old, BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2, FIB-4 ≥ 3.25, eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and non-HCV SVR, but not HBV co-infection.

CONCLUSION

Interferon-based therapy reduced the long-term risk of major liver-related complications among HBV/HCV co-infected patients, as among HCV mono-infected patients. Nevertheless, post-HCV-SVR surveillance for major liver-related complications is mandatory among those high-risk groups.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation after successful treatment of hepatitis C virus with sofosbuvir and ribavirin: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation caused by immunosuppressive therapy or chemotherapy is well known. The administration of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has also been reported to cause HBV reactivation. We report a rare case of HBV reactivation in a patient with HCV infection after DAA therapy.

PATIENT CONCERNS

In 1996, a 53-year-old female was identified as infected with HCV at a medical check-up, following which she visited our hospital. She was infected with HCV genotype 2b, and at follow up in 1997, was found to be hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody against HBsAg negative, antibody against HBV core positive. She then experienced malignant lymphoma in 2001 at 58 years of age. Complete remission was achieved following chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. In 2014, she remained negative for HBsAg and antibody against HBsAg but positive for antibody against HBV core. In 2015, 12 weeks of sofosbuvir and ribavirin treatment for HCV was started. Serum HCV RNA levels rapidly decreased, and HCV elimination was confirmed at 24 weeks after cessation of DAA treatment. Acute hepatitis B developed at 15 weeks post- sustained virological response without any symptoms and physical examination findings.

DIAGNOSES

This case is speculated to represent HBV reactivation induced by DAA treatment in a patient with previously resolved HBV, based on virologic and clinical status. Genome sequencing revealed the HBV genotype as A2.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with nucleotide analog for HBV reactivation once a day.

OUTCOMES

Serum HBV-DNA levels decreased, and serum liver enzymes improved following initiation of nucleotide analog treatment. Also, adverse events of nucleotide analog treatment were not observed.

LESSONS

Although the risk may be very low, DAA therapy can cause HBV reactivation in chronic hepatitis C patients with prior HBV infection. Thus, those patients must be closely monitored for serum HBV DNA levels during and after DAA treatment.

Viral Interference Between Dengue Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Infections

Both dengue virus (DENV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) belong to the Flaviviridae family and could induce hepatitis. We aimed to investigate the interference between them. In total, 515 patients confirmed with dengue fever (DF) were enrolled. Thirty-two patients (6.21%) were seropositive for anti-HCV; 12 of 32 anti-HCV-positive patients had detectable HCV-RNA at presentation of DF. The proportion of dengue hemorrhagic fever was comparable between patients with or without anti-HCV and between those with or without HCV-RNA. Eleven of 32 patients received HCV-RNA testing during a median interval of 23 months after DF, which revealed significantly increased HCV-RNA levels (5.43 ± 0.77 vs 3.09 ± 1.24 log IU/mL, follow-up vs acute-DF phase; P = .003). Four of 11 patients with baseline HCV-RNA values before DF demonstrated a nadir viremia during acute DF. We also included age-, sex-, and follow-up duration–matched HCV-monoinfected patients as controls; higher delta HCV-RNA changes were demonstrated in patients with DF than in controls during the follow-up period (2.34 ± 1.15 vs –0.27 ± 0.76 log IU/mL; P < .001). Further in vitro experiments showed that HCV nonstructural protein 5A was downregulated in Con1 HCV replicon cells infected by DENV1. These clinical and experimental findings suggested possible viral interference in DENV/HCV. However, HCV viremia did not affect the disease outcomes of DF.

Management of hepatitis B and hepatitis C coinfection: an expert review

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections share common routes of transmission. HBV/HCV coinfection can lead to interactions affecting mechanisms of infection and therapy.

AREAS COVERED

In the review, we present epidemiology of HBV/HCV coinfection and current therapeutic options for both viruses. The possibility of drug-drug interactions during the treatment of coinfected patients is discussed. However, the major part of the review is dedicated to interactions between viruses and risk of HBV reactivation during HCV treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAA). Finally, we analyze available international and national guidelines for the management of HBV reactivations related to DAA administration.

EXPERT OPINION

The most important international societies' guidelines include comments on HBV/HCV coinfection, but due to their inconsistency we present a proposal of management for HBV/HCV coinfected patients focusing mostly on HBV reactivation in patients treated for HCV. We provide some advice that should be considered in future guidelines for the management of HBV/HCV coinfection.

Isolated Anti-HBc: Significance and Management

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is prevalent worldwide and is associated with dramatic levels of morbidity and mortality. Isolated anti-HBc (IAHBc) is a particular serological pattern that is commonly found in immunocompromised patients. There is ongoing debate regarding the management of patients with IAHBc. Herein, we summarize the current guidelines and the newest evidence. The frequency of IAHBc is variable, with a higher prevalence in some populations, such as persons living with HIV and others immunocompromised patients. The risk of HBV reactivation depends on host factors (including immunosuppression) and viral factors. It is now well established that immunocompromised patients can be classified into three groups for risk according to the type of immunosuppression and/or treatment. In patients at high risk, HBV therapy has to be considered systematically. In patients at moderate risk, the decision is based on the level of HBV DNA (preemptive treatment or monitoring and vaccination). In patients with low risk, HBV vaccination is another possible approach, although further studies are needed to assess the type of preemptive strategy.

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.

Significance and Management of Isolated Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Anti-HBc) in HIV and HCV: Strategies in the DAA Era

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to summarize the prevalence and clinical implications of the isolated anti-HBc serologic profile in HIV-infected individuals. We highlight the rare but important issue of HBV reactivation in the setting of HCV therapy and describe an approach to management.

RECENT FINDINGS

The isolated anti-HBc pattern, a profile that most often indicates past exposure to HBV with waning anti-HBs immunity, is found commonly in HIV-infected individuals, particularly those with HCV. Some large cohort studies demonstrate an association with advanced liver disease, while others do not. Conversely, meta-analyses have found an association between occult HBV infection (a component of the isolated anti-HBc pattern) and advanced liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in HIV-uninfected individuals. In HIV-uninfected individuals with anti-HBc positivity, HBV reactivation has been reported in patients receiving HCV therapy. This phenomenon is likely the result of disinhibition of HBV with HCV eradication. In HIV-infected patients, the long-term liver outcomes associated with the isolated anti-HBc pattern remain to be fully elucidated, supporting the need for large cohort studies with longitudinal follow-up. HBV reactivation during HCV DAA therapy has been well-described in HIV-uninfected cohorts and can inform algorithms for the screening and management of the isolated anti-HBc pattern in this population.

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.

A cross-sectional assessment of health-related quality of life in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis c virus infection with EQ-5D

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the most common liver infections, with a decrement in HRQoL of HCV patients. This study aims to assess Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese patients with chronic HCV infection, and to identify significant predictors of the HRQoL in these patients of China.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional observational study, treatment-naïve Han ethnic adults with chronic HCV infection were enrolled. Adopting European Quality of Life scale (EQ-5D) and EuroQOL visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) were used to qualify HRQoL. Results were reported in descriptive analyses to describe sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to investigate the associations of these variables with HRQoL. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associations of these variables with HRQoL by dimensions of EQ-5D.

RESULTS

Nine hundred ninety-seven patients were enrolled in the study [median age 46.0 (37.0, 56.0) years; male 54.8%]. Mean EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS score were 0.780 ± 0.083 and 77.2 ± 14.8. Multiple Linear regression analysis showed that income (< 2000 RMB, β = - 0.134; 2000-4999 RMB, β = - 0.085), moderate or severe symptoms of discomfort (more than one symptoms, β = - 0.090), disease profile (cirrhosis, β = - 0.114), hyperlipidemia (β = - 0.065) and depression (β = - 0.065) were independently associated with EQ-5D index. Residence (the west, β = 0.087), income (< 2000 RMB, β = - 0.129; 2000-4999 RMB, β = - 0.052), moderate or severe symptoms of discomfort (more than one symptoms, β = - 0.091), disease profile and depression (β = - 0.316) were the influencing factors on EQ-VAS. Binary logistic regression indicated that disease profile and clinical depression were the major influencing factors on all five dimensions of EQ-5D.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cross-sectional assessment of HCV patients in China, we indicated HRQoL of Chinese HCV patients. Significant negative associations between HRQoL and sociodemographic and clinical factors such as moderate or severe symptoms of discomfort, disease profile and depression emerged. We have to focus on optimally managing care of HCV patients and improving their HRQoL.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01293279. Date of registration: February 10, 2011.

Post-treatment alpha fetoprotein and platelets predict hepatocellular carcinoma development in dual-infected hepatitis B and C patients after eradication of hepatitis C

We investigated the long-term risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in dual-infected hepatitis B and C patients after eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV). A total of 164 (62% male, median age, 50.5 years) hepatitis B and C dual-infected patients who achieved HCV sustained virological response were recruited. Half the patients were HCV genotype 1 with a median viral load of 5.5 log10 IU/mL, and 22.6%had an HBV DNA level ≥ 2000 IU/mL before therapy. HCC developed in 14 patients (8.5%), with an annual incidence of 1.38% per person-year. The 3-year, 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year cumulative probabilities were 2.5%, 5.1%, 12.6%, and 22.7%, respectively. Six months after treatment, a Cox regression hazard analysis revealed platelet level (HR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.957–0.999, P = 0.038) and AFP level (HR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.031–1.400, P = 0.019) to be independent factors in HCC. A higher 10-year cumulative risk of HCC was detected in patients with 6-month post-treatment AFP levels > 5.0 ng/mL and platelet levels < 130 x1000/µL (54.9%), compared to patients with neither (8.6%). Although the risk of HCC is low, surveillance of HCC is encouraged in dual-infected patients after eradication of HCV. Post-treatment AFP and platelet levels predict HCC development.

HBV reactivation in patients with HCV/HBV cirrhosis on treatment with direct-acting antivirals

Anecdotal reports suggest that patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) hepatitis and overt or occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection may reactivate HBV when HCV is suppressed or cleared by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). We assessed the prevalence of overt or previous HBV coinfection and the risk of HBV reactivation in patients with HCV cirrhosis treated with DAAs. This was a retrospective cohort of 104 consecutive patients with HCV cirrhosis treated with DAAs. Serum HCV-RNA and HBV-DNA were tested at weeks 4, 8 and 12 of DAAs therapy and at week 12 of follow-up. At the start of DAAs, eight patients (7.7%) were HBsAg positive/HBeAg negative with undetectable HBV-DNA and low levels of quantitative HBsAg (four on nucleos(t)ide analogues [NUCs] and four inactive carriers), 37 patients (35.6%) had markers of previous HBV infection (25 anti-HBc positive, 12 anti-HBc/anti-HBs positive) and 59 (56.7%) had no evidence of HBV infection. Sixty-seven patients (64.4%) were HCV-RNA negative at week 4 and 98 (94.2%) achieved sustained virological response. All four HBsAg-positive patients treated with NUCs remained HBV-DNA negative, but three of four untreated patients showed an increase in HBV-DNA of 2-3 log without a biochemical flare and achieved HBV-DNA suppression when given NUCs. During or after DAAs, by conventional assay, HBV-DNA remained not detectable in all 37 anti-HBc-positive patients but in three of them (8.1%) HBV-DNA became detectable with a highly sensitive PCR. HBV reactivation is likely to occur in untreated HBV/HCV-coinfected cirrhotic patients when they undergo HCV treatment with DAAs. Pre-emptive therapy with NUCs should be considered in this setting. Anti-HBc-positive patients rarely reactivate HBV without clinical or virological outcomes.

Reactivation of hepatitis B in patients of chronic hepatitis C with hepatitis B virus infection treated with direct acting antivirals

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) may reactivate when treating chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with direct acting antivirals (DAA). We aim to investigate the risk of HBV reactivation during DAA therapy.

METHODS

Chronic hepatitis C patients receiving pan-oral DAA therapy from December 2013 to August 2016 were evaluated. Fifty-seven patients that had a past HBV infection (negative hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] and positive hepatitis B core antibody) and seven patients that had a current HBV infection (positive HBsAg) were enrolled. Serum HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers were regularly measured. The endpoints were the HCV sustained virological response (SVR) and the HBV virological/clinical reactivation.

RESULTS

The overall SVR₁₂ rate was 96.9%, and two patients, one with positive HBsAg, had a relapse of HCV. No episodes of HBV virological reactivation were observed among the patients with a past HBV infection. For the seven patients with a current HBV infection, HBV virological reactivation was found in four (57.1%) of the seven patients. Clinical reactivation of HBV was observed in one patient with pretreatment detectable HBV DNA and recovered after entecavir administration. For the other three patients with HBV virological reactivation, the reappearance of low level HBV DNA without clinical reactivation was observed. HBsAg levels demonstrated only small fluctuations in all the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a minimal impact of hepatitis B core antibody seropositivity on HCV efficacy and safety. For CHC patients with current HBV infection, the risk of HBV reactivation was present, and monitoring the HBV DNA level during therapy is warranted.

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.

The Hepatitis Viral Status in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: a Study of 3843 Patients From Taiwan Liver Cancer Network

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cancer death in Taiwan. Chronic viral hepatitis infections have long been considered as the most important risk factors for HCC in Taiwan. The previously published reports were either carried out by individual investigators with small patient numbers or by large endemic studies with limited viral marker data. Through collaboration with 5 medical centers across Taiwan, Taiwan liver cancer network (TLCN) was established in 2005. All participating centers followed a standard protocol to recruit liver cancer patients along with their biosamples and clinical data. In addition, detailed viral marker analysis for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were also performed. This study included 3843 HCC patients with available blood samples in TLCN (recruited from November 2005 to April 2011). There were 2153 (56.02%) patients associated with HBV (HBV group); 969 (25.21%) with HCV (HCV group); 310 (8.07%) with both HBV and HCV (HBV+HCV group); and 411 (10.69%) were negative for both HBV and HCV (non-B non-C group). Two hundred two of the 2463 HBV patients (8.20%) were HBsAg(-), but HBV DNA (+). The age, gender, cirrhosis, viral titers, and viral genotypes were all significantly different between the above 4 groups of patients. The median age of the HBV group was the youngest, and the cirrhotic rate was lowest in the non-B non-C group (only 25%). This is the largest detailed viral hepatitis marker study for HCC patients in the English literatures. Our study provided novel data on the interaction of HBV and HCV in the HCC patients and also confirmed that the HCC database of TLCN is highly representative for Taiwan and an important resource for HCC research.

Direct-acting antiviral treatment in adults infected with hepatitis C virus: Reactivation of hepatitis B virus coinfection as a further challenge

Use of direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) greatly improves management of adults infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) whether patients are treatment-naive or unsuccessfully pre-treated. Several inhibitors of viral nonstructural proteins (NS3/4A protease, NS5A and NS5B polymerase) allow a rapid HCV clearance and increase rates of sustained virological response. Both the EASL and AASLD guidelines have recently published up-to-date recommendations for their use, addressing each HCV genotype and particular situations. However, management of patients coinfected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been developed by these guidelines with reference to cases of HBV reactivation reported during previous anti-HCV regimens containing interferon known active against both HBV and HCV. In the setting of the interferon-free HCV therapies with DAAs only, the possibility of HBV reactivation during treatment of hepatitis C is raised due to viral interferences in HCV/HBV coinfected persons. Herein, we report a case of early HBV reactivation during DAAs-based anti-HCV treatment (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) in a patient having a resolved HBV infection and chronically infected with HCV genotype 4 and HIV. Moreover, we review similar recent cases of HBV reactivation in patients infected with HBV and HCV genotype 1 during treatment of hepatitis C by regimen incorporating other combination of DAAs (sofosbuvir/simeprevir or daclatasvir/asunaprevir). Due to the potential risk of early HBV reactivation in HCV/HBV-coinfected patients during interferon-free DAAs-based HCV therapies, altogether these cases highlight the necessity to closely monitor HBV coinfection, regardless its stage (chronic, occult, resolved), whatever HCV genotype or class of DAAs used.

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.

Management of chronic hepatitis B in patients from special populations

Here we review the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in four special categories of patients: CHB in pregnancy, in patients on immunosuppressive treatments, in patients undergoing liver transplantation, and in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV).

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.

Prevalence and predictors of hepatitis B virus coinfection in a United States cohort of hepatitis C virus-infected patients

There are sparse epidemiologic data on coinfection of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) in the United States. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of HBV coinfection in a large U.S. population of HCV patients. We used the National Veterans Affairs HCV Clinical Case Registry to identify patients tested for HCV during 1997-2005. Patients were categorized based on HCV exposure (any two +HCV tests or one test with a diagnostic code), HCV infection (+RNA or genotype), HBV exposure (any +HBV test, excluding +HBsAb only), and HBV infection (+HBsAg, HBV DNA, or HBeAg). The prevalence of HBV exposure among patients with HCV exposure and that of HBV infection among patients with HCV infection were determined. Multivariate logistic regression evaluated potential demographic and clinical predictors of HBV coinfection. Among 168,239 patients with HCV exposure, 58,415 patients had HBV exposure for a prevalence of 34.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 34.5-35.0). Among 102,971 patients with HCV infection, 1,431 patients had HBV coinfection for a prevalence of 1.4% (95% CI 1.3-1.5). Independent associations with HBV coinfection compared with HCV monoinfection were age ≤ 50 years, male sex, positive HIV status, history of hemophilia, sickle cell anemia or thalassemia, history of blood transfusion, cocaine and other drug use; there was decreased risk in patients of Hispanic ethnicity.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest cohort study in the U.S. on the prevalence of HBV coinfection in HCV patients. Among veterans with HCV, exposure to HBV is common (~35%), but HBV coinfection is relatively low (1.4%). Several possible risk factors were identified.

Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus co-infection: a therapeutic challenge

Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus are the two most common causes of chronic liver disease in the world. Dual infection with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, whose prevalence is underestimated, is characterized by a more severe liver injury, a higher probability of liver cirrhosis and a higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment of these patients represents a therapeutic challenge. We report the case of an hepatitis B virus-hepatitis C virus co-infected patient, which particularly illustrates the interactions between these two viruses and therapeutic problems caused by the dual infection. HCV was initially dominant, which indicated a combination therapy by pegylated interferon and ribavirin. This treatment was associated with an early virological response of the HCV but an increase of HBV DNA occurred, requiring the use of a nucleoside analogue. A good response was obtained for the HBV but a relapse of HCV was noted, posing a problem for therapeutic decision.

Viral hepatitis infections in southern Taiwan: a multicenter community-based study

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are major causes of liver disease in Taiwan and have a great impact on the health of this country. This study investigated the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV in southern Taiwan. Screening programs were performed from September 1999 to August 2005 for community-based surveillance of liver disease. A total of 28,797 adults from southern Taiwan, including Kaohsiung City (n = 14,036), Kaohsiung County (n = 7,713), and Pingtung County (n = 7,048) were participated. The mean age was 50.3 ± 14.6 years (range, 20-97 years), with 41.0% were men. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to HCV (anti-HCV), and liver function tests were performed. Among the 28,797 adults, the prevalence of HBsAg(+) was 15.1% and that for anti-HCV(+) was 8.6%. The seroprevalence of HBsAg in Kaohsiung County was 18.2%, which was higher than in Kaohsiung City (14.7%, p < 0.001) or Pingtung County (12.5%, p < 0.001). The seroprevalence of anti-HCV in Kaohsiung County was 17.2%, which was higher than in the other regions (Kaohsiung City = 5.8%, p < 0.001; Pingtung County = 4.6%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of dual HBsAg and anti-HCV was 1.1% (323 patients). Tzukuan Township in Kaohsiung County was endemic for HBsAg (19.1%, 1,026/5,375 patients), anti-HCV (22.4%, 1,203/5,375 patients), and dual HBsAg/anti-HCV (3.6%, 191/5,375 patients). Subjects with anti-HCV(+) were older and had higher alanine transaminase levels than their HBsAg(+) counterparts (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The current study shows the epidemiological characteristics of HBV and HCV infections among adults in southern Taiwan. Viral hepatitis infections remain widely endemic in this region.

Hepatitis B virus infection among American patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: prevalence, racial/ethnic differences, and viral interactions

Little is known about hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the United States. We prospectively enrolled 1,257 patients with chronic HCV infection from two medical centers in New York City. A total of 61.5% (95% confidence interval, 58.8%-64.2%) had evidence of prior exposure to HBV (hepatitis B core antibody-positive), whereas 5.8% (95% confidence interval, 4.5%-7.1%) had dual infection with HBV (hepatitis B surface antigen-positive). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified age <40 years, Asian race, injection drug use, and a greater number of lifetime sexual partners as independent risk factors for HBV-HCV dual infection. Liver biopsy results in 26 HBV-HCV-infected and 658 HCV-monoinfected patients showed that stage 3 or 4 fibrosis was significantly more common in those with HBV-HCV dual infection (84.6% versus 29.9%; P < 0.001). Patients infected with HBV and HCV had significantly lower median HCV RNA levels (1.3 versus 4.5 x 10(6) copies/mL; P < 0.001) and were less likely to have HCV RNA levels > or =5 x 10(6) copies/mL (12.3% versus 45.4%; P < 0.001) than those who had HCV monoinfection. All five patients with HBV-HCV dual infection who had undetectable HBV DNA levels had HCV RNA levels > or =5 x 10(6) copies/mL.

CONCLUSION

American patients with chronic HCV infection should be tested for HBV, especially younger patients, Asians, injection drug users, and those with an increased number of lifetime sexual partners. The presence of severe liver disease and HBV-HCV viral interactions in patients with dual infection necessitates careful but aggressive clinical management, although the optimal strategy remains to be determined.

Occult hepatitis B virus infection and lamivudine-resistant mutations in isolates from renal patients undergoing hemodialysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients undergoing hemodialysis are at risk of infection with both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Occult HBV infection is usually associated with low levels of HBV and is frequently detected in HCV-infected patients. The aims of the present study were to compare the prevalence of occult HBV infection among anti-HCV-positive and anti-HCV-negative patients undergoing hemodialysis, and characterize the molecular patterns of HBV isolates from patients with occult infection.

METHODS

Serum samples from 100 patients negative for hepatitis B surface antigen undergoing hemodialysis, half of whom were positive for anti-HCV antibodies, were tested for the presence of HBV-DNA using semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products of the S gene were directly sequenced.

RESULTS

HBV-DNA was detected in 15 samples. There were no significant differences in HCV status, sex, age, time of dialysis, alanine aminotransferase levels or HBV serological markers between patients with or without occult HBV infection, with the exception of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc)-only serological marker (P = 0.003). All six HBV isolates that could be sequenced were of genotype A/subgenotype A1. Four of these six HBV isolates contained mutations associated with lamivudine resistance in the DNA polymerase (two with L180M/M204V and two with rt173V/180M/204V) and a specific substitution (Y100C) in the HBV small surface protein.

CONCLUSIONS

HBV isolates with the identified substitutions have the potential to spread silently by nosocomial transmission within the hemodialysis unit. These results have potential implications for the management of patients with occult HBV infection undergoing hemodialysis.

Analysis of the efficacy of treatment with peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin in patients coinfected with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus

OBJECTIVE

To study the virological features of patients coinfected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the efficacy of combination therapy with peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin in these patients.

METHODS

The epidemiological and virological data of 50 patients coinfected with HBV and HCV were analysed. The virological response rates of patients treated with peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin between the HBV and HCV coinfection group and the HCV monoinfection group were compared.

RESULTS

HCV-dominant virus strains accounted for 92.0% of the 50 coinfected individuals, and HCV- and HBV-dominant virus strains accounted for the remaining 8.0%. The HBV DNA level of the patients coinfected with HBV and HCV was 4.6+/-0.9 log(10) copies/ml, which was significantly lower than that in the HBV monoinfection group (5.9+/-1.2 log(10) copies/ml) (t=5.964, P<0.01). The HBeAg-positive rate (12.0%, 6/50) of the coinfection group was significantly lower than (45.3%, 19/42) that of the HBV monoinfection group (chi(2)=12.743, P<0.01). The partial early virological response (pEVR) rate and the end-of-treatment virological response (ETVR) rate (50.0%, 15/30; 90.0%, 27/30) of patients with genotype 1 in the coinfection group were significantly higher than those (16.0%, 4/25; 56.0%, 14/25) in the HCV monoinfection group (chi(2)=6.971, P=0.008; chi(2)=8.307, P=0.004). The relapse rate (55.6%, 15/27) of patients with genotype 1 in the coinfection group was significantly higher than that (21.4%, 3/14) in the HCV monoinfection group (chi(2)=4.360, P=0.037). The sustained virological response (SVR) rate (40.0%, 12/30) of patients with genotype 1 in the coinfection group was compared with that of the HCV monoinfection group (44.0%, 11/25) (chi(2)=0.090, P=0.765). There was no significant difference in the on-treatment virological response, ETVR, SVR and relapse rates between two groups for patients with genotype 2. The incidence of side effects (30%, 15/50) of patients in the coinfection group was significantly higher than that (13%, 6/46) in the HCV monoinfection group (chi(2)=4.031, P=0.045). The reactivation rate of HBV DNA (33.3%, 9/27) with HCV SVR was significantly higher than that of patients without SVR (8.7%, 2/23) (chi(2)=4.393, P=0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

The replication of HBV was suppressed, and HCV was the dominant virus strain. Compared with HCV-monoinfected patients, pEVR, ETVR and relapse rates of patients with genotype 1 in the coinfection group were high, while they shared similar SVR rates. HBV and HCV coinfection had no impact on the rate of virological response for genotype 2.

Prevalence of hepatitis C serum antibody in autoimmune diseases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of serum antibodies against hepatitis C virus and other infectious agents in a large cohort of well-characterized patients with autoimmune diseases (AID).

METHODS

We utilized 1322 sera from patients with 18 different AID and 236 sera from healthy controls from the same countries and with similar age and sex distribution. All sera were tested for the presence of serum anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies as well as antibodies directed at other infectious agents and autoantibodies.

RESULTS

Anti-HCV antibody was detected in 115/1322 (8.7%) of patients with AID and 0.4% of matched healthy controls (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of anti-HCV antibody was significantly higher in 7/18 different AID (i.e. cryoglobulinemia, mixed cryoglobulinemia pemphigus vulgaris, vasculitis, secondary anti-phospholipid syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and inflammatory bowel disease) compared to controls. Patients with AID and serum anti-HCV positivity had an increased prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis B virus, Toxoplasma gondii and Cytomegalovirus as opposed to a lower frequency of serum autoantibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

The enhanced prevalence of anti-HCV serum antibodies in AID may suggest a role for HCV in tolerance to breakdown, similarly to its established role in mixed cryoglobulinemia. This immune mediated effect does not rule out the role of other infectious agents.

Clinical and histological impact of previous hepatitis B virus infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Recent reports suggest that hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers with serological markers of prior hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have more advanced liver fibrosis, irrespective of HBV-DNA detection.

AIMS

We sought to assess the prevalence and impact of previous HBV infection in patients with HCV chronic infection.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included hepatitis B surface antigen- and human immunodeficiency virus-negative subjects with positive HCV-RNA. All patients had prior parenteral exposure as the probable source of HCV infection. Serum samples were tested for HBV-DNA using a commercial assay. The METAVIR system was used for histological analysis.

RESULTS

One-hundred and eleven patients were evaluated. Thirty-one out of 111 patients (28%) tested positive for antihepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). HBV-DNA was not detected in any sample. Anti-HBc-positive patients showed higher histological grading, staging and a higher fibrosis progression rate. By multivariate analysis, anti-HBc-positivity was predictive of moderate to severe activity [odds ratio (OR)=3.532; P=0.032] and significant hepatic fibrosis (OR=3.364; P=0.017). After approximately 20 years of infection, advanced liver fibrosis (F3/F4) can be expected in 13% of anti-HBc-negative subjects who acquired HCV before the age of 30 and in 57% of those anti-HBc-positive patients who were infected by HCV after 30 years of age (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Previous HBV infection is common among HCV carriers and may exert a negative impact on the natural history of HCV infection, independently of the presence of significant HBV replication.

Hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus coinfection: epidemiology, clinical features, viral interactions and treatment

Because of the shared modes of transmission, hepatitis B virus (HBV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is not uncommon in highly endemic areas and among subjects with a high risk of parenteral infections. The worldwide prevalence of HBV/HCV coinfection is unknown and might be underestimated with the phenomenon of silent (occult) HBV infection. HCV superinfection in patients with chronic HBV infection was the most common clinical features of coinfection in Asia-Pacific countries. Further, most, but not all, clinical observations suggested that interference between the two viruses was more frequently characterized by an inhibition of HBV replication exerted by HCV. However, longitudinal follow-up studies have demonstrated that the virological patterns in coinfection cases are widely divergent and have dynamic profiles over time. As compared with monoinfected patients, HBV/HCV coinfected persons tend to have more severe liver injury, a higher probability of liver cirrhosis and hepatic decompensation, and a higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Detailed serological and virological evaluations are required for coinfected patients before initiation of antiviral therapy. Previous studies demonstrated that HBV/HCV coinfected patients responded poorly to interferon (IFN) monotherapy. Currently, for patients with dominant HCV infection and low level HBV viremia (<10(4) IU/mL), IFN or pegylated IFN plus ribavirin can achieve comparable sustained virus response as expected with HCV monoinfection. However, phenomenon of reciprocal viral interference can happen, and resultant "flare" of hepatitis activity may cause liver function deterioration. For coinfected patients with dually-active HBV/HCV, the optimal regimen for therapy remains unclear although adding oral nucleos(t)ide analogs to pegylated IFN and ribavirin seems a reasonable empiric option.

Understanding the pathogenesis and management of hepatitis B/HIV and hepatitis B/hepatitis C virus coinfection

The approach to the hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patient who is also infected with HIV or hepatitis C virus (HCV) is very different from the approach to the patient with only one virus infection. HBV/HIV coinfection is common. Agents that have dual activity against HBV and HIV should be considered as treatment of choice in combination regimens in HBV/HIV-coinfected patients beginning antiretroviral therapy. In HBV/HCV coinfection HCV usually tends to predominate over HBV. More investigation is needed into the mechanisms by which viral pathogenesis is altered and the optimal treatment modalities for coinfected patients.

Sustained HCV-RNA response and hepatitis Bs seroconversion after individualized antiviral therapy with pegylated interferon alpha plus ribavirin and active vaccination in a hepatitis C virus/hepatitis B virus-coinfected patient

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is frequently associated with progressive liver disease. Treatment options are limited and no data on the efficacy of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin therapy are available. We report a case of a 49-year-old woman with chronic hepatitis B and C who was scheduled for a 48 weeks course of PEG-IFNalpha-2b plus ribavirin therapy. She had HCV genotype 2 infection and was negative for HBV-DNA and HBe antigen before treatment. Although the HCV-RNA response was rapid until week 12, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels showed a more linear decline. At week 48, HBsAg was still positive, however, with very low levels of only 0.06 IU/ml. Treatment was therefore continued for another 4 weeks combined with active HBV immunization until HBs seroconversion occurred. Forty-three weeks after treatment, the patient showed a robust HBs seroconversion (anti-HBs of 260 IU/ml) and a sustained HCV-RNA response. This case highlights that combination therapy of PEG-IFNalpha-2b with ribavirin of HBV/HCV-coinfected individuals cannot only induce a sustained HCV-RNA response but also HBsAg seroconversion in single patients. Monitoring of HBsAg levels can be useful in individualizing optimal treatment duration in HBV-infected patients.

Viral interaction and clinical implications of coinfection of hepatitis C virus with other hepatitis viruses

Coinfection with other hepatitis viruses modifies the viral profile in serum and leads to more liver damage and more rapid progression during the course of hepatitis C virus infection. The viral interference is not only carried out by virus-virus or by virus-cell interactions but also by an enhanced immune response. A superinfecting viral infection does not crossactivate protective immune responses to the pre-existing virus albeit the latter can become undetectable. The induced cytokine stimulation might enhance the hepatic inflammation. Moreover, hepatitis B virus coinfection increases the risk of development of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis C virus patients through common necro-inflammatory pathways or by direct oncogenic activity of hepatitis B virus. Viral interaction also complicates the management of the coinfection because hepatitis C virus impairs the humoral response to hepatitis A virus and hepatitis B virus vaccines, and because pharmacological suppression of hepatitis C virus endangers dually infected patients with reactivation of coinfected hepatitis B virus. Optimized strategies and follow-up are thus necessary in the treatment of infection with multiple viruses. It seems thus necessary to look for markers of hepatitis B virus and/or hepatitis D virus infection in chronic hepatitis patients positive for hepatitis C virus antibodies but negative for hepatitis C virus RNA, and equally well to search for hepatitis C virus RNA in HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive patients with a low level of serum hepatitis B virus DNA.

Natural history and treatment of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus coinfection

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is not uncommon as a result of similar routes of infection. Patients who are coinfected represent a unique group with diverse serologic profiles. Combined chronic hepatitis B and C leads to more severe liver disease and an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, coinfected patients represent a treatment challenge. No standard recommendations exist for treatment of viral hepatitis due to dual HBV/HCV infection, and therefore treatment must be individualized based on patient variables such as serologic and virologic profiles, patient's prior exposure to antiviral treatment, and the presence of other parenterally transmitted viruses such as hepatitis D virus and human immunodeficiency virus. The natural history and treatment of patients with HBV and HCV coinfection is reviewed.

Chronic hepatitis B: a long-term retrospective cohort study of disease progression in Shanghai, China

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The present study aimed to describe the disease progression of chronic hepatitis B patients without or with compensated cirrhosis at baseline, to estimate the risk of progression to decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and death, and to determine prognostic factors of disease progression in patients in Shanghai, China.

METHODS

Stored medical records from 322 biopsy-confirmed chronic hepatitis B cases diagnosed between 1981 and 1993 were selected, and the status of patients was tracked in 1999-2000. Among consenting patients, ultrasound examination and laboratory tests were conducted. Person-year incidence rates, Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank tests, and Cox regression analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

Among chronic hepatitis B patients without compensated cirrhosis, the incidence rates of decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death were 6.3, 2.8, and 7.6 per 1000 person-years, respectively, while for patients with compensated cirrhosis, the rates were 35.6, 8.2, and 35.2 per 1000 person-years, respectively. The 15-year survival rate was 88% for patients without compensated cirrhosis, compared with 56% for patients with compensated cirrhosis (P < 0.001). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that increased alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (P < 0.01), gamma-globulin (P < 0.05), and high-level severity of hepatic fibrosis (P < 0.01) at baseline were risk factors of decompensated cirrhosis. Factors associated with a high risk of death included elevated AFP at baseline (P < 0.01), severity of hepatic fibrosis (P < 0.003), and sustained positivity for hepatitis B surface antigen (P < 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Increased AFP and severity of hepatic fibrosis at baseline were associated with higher risk of decompensated cirrhosis and death. These data provide rare empirical estimates of the negative long-term outcomes for patients with chronic hepatitis B in Shanghai, China.

Hepatitis B virus activity in patients with anti-hepatitis C virus antibody positivity and hepatitis B antigen positivity

BACKGROUND

Co-infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV seems to be relatively frequent. There might be a mutual influence on replication activity of HBV and HCV.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the HBV activity in patients with serum HCV RNA and HBsAg positivity and in those with confirmed anti-HCV antibody and HBsAg positivity but serum HCV RNA negativity.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 1,200 anti-HCV antibody positive samples were investigated. Samples of HCV RNA and HBsAg positive patients were compared with those of confirmed anti-HCV and HBsAg positive but serum HCV RNA negative patients. HBV activity was tested with the quantitative Cobas Amplicor HBV Monitor Test (Roche Diagnostic Systems, Pleasanton, CA).

RESULTS

Of all studied patients with chronic hepatitis C (serum HCV RNA positivity) only 1.0% were found to be HBsAg positive. In contrast, of all patients with confirmed anti-HCV positivity but serum HCV RNA negativity, 11.9% tested HBsAg positive. The median of HBV DNA levels of patients with serum HCV RNA positivity and HBeAg seroconversion (4.0 x 10(2) HBV DNA copies per ml) was found to be slightly lower than that of patients with serum HCV RNA negativity and HBeAg seroconversion (2.5 x 10(3) HBV DNA copies per ml; P>0.05). The median of HBV DNA levels of patients with serum HCV RNA positivity but without HBeAg seroconversion (1.1 x 10(4) HBV DNA copies per ml) was found to be significantly lower than that of patients with serum HCV RNA negativity but without HBeAg seroconversion (2.6 x 10(7) HBV DNA copies per ml; P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

A mutual effect on HBV and HCV replication could be observed. The molecular assay for quantification of serum HBV DNA was found to be useful for the routine diagnostic laboratory.