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Hall SAL, Vogrin S, Wawryk O, Burns GS, Visvanathan K, Sundararajan V, Thompson A. Discontinuation of nucleot(s)ide analogue therapy in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B: a meta-analysis. Gut 2022; 71:1629-1641. [PMID: 34493592 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Sustained virological suppression and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss have been described after nucleot(s)ide analogue (NA) discontinuation for patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We performed a meta-analysis of the clinical outcomes after NA discontinuation for HBeAg-negative CHB. METHODS Studies involving NA cessation in HBeAg-negative CHB individuals with a median follow-up of ≥12 months were included. Participants were HBeAg-negative at the time of NA initiation. Random effects meta-analyses were performed for the following clinical outcomes: (1) virological relapse (VR) at 6 and 12 months; (2) clinical relapse (CR) at 6 and 12 months and (3) HBsAg loss. Effect of other variables was estimated using subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Studies including patients stopping entecavir (ETV) and/or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) were considered separately to studies including patients stopping older generation NA. RESULTS N=37 studies met inclusion criteria. Cumulative incidence of VR and CR after stopping ETV/TDF was 44% and 17% at 6 months and 63% and 35% at 12 months. Similar relapse rates were observed after stopping older NAs. Among patients stopping ETV/TDF, TDF cessation was associated with increased CR rates at 6 months versus ETV. There was an association between follow-up ≥4 years and HBsAg loss rates when stopping older NAs. Hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma were rare but occurred more frequently in studies including cirrhotic individuals. CONCLUSION VR is common after NA discontinuation, however, CR was only seen in one-third of patients at 12 months. Stopping NA therapy can be followed by HBsAg clearance, and rates are higher with longer follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Vogrin
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Olivia Wawryk
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gareth S Burns
- Gastroenterology Department, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Pty Ltd, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kumar Visvanathan
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Infectious Diseases Department, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Pty Ltd, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vijaya Sundararajan
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander Thompson
- Gastroenterology Department, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Pty Ltd, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Papatheodoridi M, Su TH, Hadziyannis E, Liao CH, Orfanidou Α, Yang HC, Zachou K, Liu CJ, Kourikou A, Gatselis N, Manolakopoulos S, Dalekos G, Kao JH, Hadziyannis S, Papatheodoridis GV. Hepatocellular carcinoma after treatment cessation in non-cirrhotic HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B: A multicentre cohort study. Liver Int 2022; 42:541-550. [PMID: 34890120 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Scarce data exist on the effect of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) discontinuation on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHBe-). Therefore, we assessed whether HCC risk is increased in non-cirrhotic CHBe- patients who discontinue compared to those remaining on NAs. METHODS This cohort study included 650 consecutive non-cirrhotic Caucasian or Asian patients with CHBe- without a history of HCC who discontinued NAs after a median of 5 or 3 years (cases, n = 325; Caucasians: 143, Asians: 182) or remained on NA therapy beyond 5 or 3 years respectively (controls, n = 325; Caucasians: 223, Asians: 102). Propensity score (PS) 1:1 matching was applied to adjust for patients' origin, age and sex. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 44 months, HCC developed in 7/325 cases and 9/325 controls or 7/245 PS-matched cases and 7/245 PS-matched controls with 5-year cumulative HCC incidence of 5.1% and 4.9% respectively (log-rank, P = .836). No difference in 5-year HCC risk was observed between cases and controls of Caucasian (3.0% vs 4.8%; log-rank, P = .510) or Asian origin (1.3% vs 2.2%; log-rank, P = .873). In both cases and controls, HCC incidence was independently associated with age and PAGE-B score. In cases alone, HCC development after NA discontinuation was associated only with pretreatment platelet counts and PAGE-B score, but not with any type of relapse or HBsAg loss. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that discontinuation of effective long-term NA therapy in non-cirrhotic CHBe- patients are not associated with increased HCC risk, which is not affected by post-NA relapses and/or HBsAg loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Papatheodoridi
- Department of Gastroenterology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Health Sciences, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Emilia Hadziyannis
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Health Sciences, General Hospital of Athens "Hippokratio", Athens, Greece
| | - Chun-Hsun Liao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Αfroditi Orfanidou
- Department of Gastroenterology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Health Sciences, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Hung-Chi Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kalliopi Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Anastasia Kourikou
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Health Sciences, General Hospital of Athens "Hippokratio", Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Spilios Manolakopoulos
- Department of Gastroenterology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Health Sciences, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece.,2nd Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Health Sciences, General Hospital of Athens "Hippokratio", Athens, Greece
| | - George Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Stephanos Hadziyannis
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Health Sciences, General Hospital of Athens "Hippokratio", Athens, Greece
| | - George V Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Health Sciences, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
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3
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Ergen P, Isik B, Arslan F, Karadag FY, Aydin O, Cag Y, Yazici S, Ucisik AC, Vahaboglu MH. Outcomes of Cessation of Antiviral Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Medeni Med J 2021; 36:201-208. [PMID: 34915677 PMCID: PMC8565590 DOI: 10.5222/mmj.2021.52959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Data on the efficacy and duration of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) therapies to prevent the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients are scarce and heterogeneous. This study aimed to summarize the clinical and laboratory results of the patients with CHB infection who discontinued oral antiviral therapy. Methods A single-centered cohort study was conducted with CHB infection. NUCs were discontinued in patients who were under viral suppression for at least two years with undetectable HBV DNA levels for 18 months. Risk factors for clinical relapse (CR) were evaluated. Results A total of 77 patients were recruited. HBeAg status showed that 9.4% of the patients underwent HBeAg seroconversion with NUCs. HBeAg reversion was noted in four (31%) of these patients. Severe hepatitis, which resolved after antiviral therapy was restored, was reported in two out of 77 patients (4%). None of the patients with CR had clinical or biological signs of hepatic decompensation or died during the study period. Conclusions We found no benefits of the discontinuation of antiviral therapy after viral suppression in patients with initially severe fibrotic HBV infection. In patients with mild to moderate fibrosis, cessation of antiviral treatment is not associated with adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Ergen
- Istanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burcu Isik
- Istanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ferhat Arslan
- Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma Yılmaz Karadag
- Istanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Aydin
- Istanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Cag
- Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Saadet Yazici
- Istanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Canan Ucisik
- Istanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Haluk Vahaboglu
- Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
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4
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Furquim d'Almeida A, Ho E, Van Hees S, Vanwolleghem T. Clinical management of chronic hepatitis B: A concise overview. United European Gastroenterol J 2021; 10:115-123. [PMID: 34846093 PMCID: PMC8830276 DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, over 250 million people are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Infected patients have an up to 100-fold increased risk for liver-related complications, including cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. Nonetheless, the majority of the infections remains asymptomatic, stressing the importance of HBV screening and linkage to care. Excellent clinical outcomes are seen during nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy, which often is continued indefinitively due to a lack of functional cure. Increasing evidence suggests that NA discontinuation following long-term treatment induced viral suppression in patients without a functional cure may be a favourable option. Reliable biomarkers are, however, urgently needed to select the patients that would benefit from NA withdrawal. In addition, renewed and novel approaches to improve screening and linkage to care are other fundamental factors in the optimisation of the clinical management of chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Furquim d'Almeida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Viral Hepatitis Research Group, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Erwin Ho
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Viral Hepatitis Research Group, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stijn Van Hees
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Viral Hepatitis Research Group, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Viral Hepatitis Research Group, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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5
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APASL guidance on stopping nucleos(t)ide analogues in chronic hepatitis B patients. Hepatol Int 2021; 15:833-851. [PMID: 34297329 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10223-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is currently incurable. Long-term treatment with potent and safe nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) can reduce hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis-related complications through profound viral suppression. However, indefinite therapy raises several crucial issues with pros and cons. Because seroclearance of hepatitis B surface (HBsAg) as functional cure is not easily achievable, a finite therapy including sequential 48-week pegylated interferon therapy may provide an opportunity to facilitate HBsAg seroclearance by the rejuvenation of exhausted immune cells. However, the cost of stopping NA is the high incidence of virological relapse and surge of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, which may increase the risk of adverse outcomes (e.g., decompensation, fibrosis progression, HCC, or liver-related mortality). So far, the APASL criteria to stop NA treatment is undetectable HBV DNA levels with normalization of ALT; however, this criterion for cessation of treatment is associated with various incidence rates of virological/clinical relapse and more than 40% of NA-stoppers eventually receive retreatment. A very intensive follow-up strategy and identification of low-risk patients for virological/clinical relapse by different biomarkers are the keys to stop the NA treatment safely. Recent studies suggested that decreasing HBsAg level at the end-of-treatment to < 100-200 IU/mL seems to be a useful marker for deciding when to discontinue NAs therapy. In addition, several viral and host factors have been reviewed for their potential roles in predicting clinical relapse. Finally, the APASL guidance has proposed rules to stop NA and the subsequent follow-up strategy to achieve a better prognosis after stopping NA. In general, for both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients who have stopped treatment, these measurements should be done every 1-3 months at the minimum until 12 months.
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Li T, Liang Y, Zhang M, Liu F, Zhang L, Yang B, Wang L. Nucleoside/nucleotide analog consolidation therapy in hepatitis B e-antigen positive chronic hepatitis B patients: Three years should be preferred. Hepatol Res 2021; 51:633-640. [PMID: 33772988 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the role of consolidation therapy after cessation of nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NAs) for off-treatment outcome and to explore the optimal consolidation period in hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. METHODS We undertook a prospective, observational cohort study including HBeAg positive CHB patients discontinuing NAs. Virological relapse was the primary endpoint of the current study and was defined as a serum hepatitis B virus DNA more than 104 copies/ml (another assay was carried out for confirmation at least 2 weeks later). Propensity score matching analysis was used to balance the baseline characteristics between HBeAg positive CHB patients with different consolidation periods. RESULTS A total of 190 HBeAg positive CHB patients were included. Fifty-four patients relapsed during follow-up and the cumulative relapse rates at years 1, 3, 5, and 10 were 19.5%, 24.1%, 27.2%, and 32.1%, respectively. Most patients (61.1%) relapsed in the first 6 months. After propensity score matching, significantly lower cumulative relapse rates were observed in patients with consolidation period ≥36 months compared with patients with consolidation period more than 36 months (29.3% vs. 52.8% at year 10; p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS Cessation of NAs after HBeAg seroconversion and long-term consolidation is generally safe and feasible in HBeAg positive CHB patients. Three years of consolidation should be preferred in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Hepatolgy, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Hepatolgy, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Institute of Hepatology, Tianjin, China
| | - Lixin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Baohua Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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7
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Xue Y, Zhang M, Li T, Liu F, Zhang LX, Fan XP, Yang BH, Wang L. Exploration of nucleos(t)ide analogs cessation in chronic hepatitis B patients with hepatitis B e antigen loss. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:1497-1506. [PMID: 33911470 PMCID: PMC8047530 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i14.1497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) cessation in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients remains a matter of debate in clinical practice. Current guidelines recommend that patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion discontinue NAs after relatively long-term consolidation therapy. However, many patients fail to achieve HBeAg seroconversion after the long-term loss of HBeAg, even if hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss occurs. It remains unclear whether NAs can be discontinued in this subset of patients.
AIM To investigate the outcomes and factors associated with HBeAg-positive CHB patients with HBeAg loss (without hepatitis B e antibody) after cessation of NAs.
METHODS We studied patients who discontinued NAs after achieving HBeAg loss. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify predictors for virological relapse after cessation of NAs. The cut-off value of the consolidation period was confirmed using receiver operating characteristic curves; we confirmed the cut-off value of HBsAg according to a previous study. The log-rank test was used to compare cumulative relapse rates among groups. We also studied patients with CHB who achieved HBeAg seroconversion and compared their cumulative relapse rates. Propensity score matching analysis (PSM) was used to balance baseline characteristics between the groups.
RESULTS We included 83 patients with HBeAg loss. The mean age of these patients was 32.1 ± 9.5 years, and the majority was male (67.5%). Thirty-eight patients relapsed, and the cumulative relapse rate at months 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 60, 120, and 180 were 22.9%, 36.1%, 41.0%, 43.5%, 45.0%, 45.0%, 45.0%, and 52.8%, respectively. Twenty-six (68.4%) patients relapsed in the first 3 mo after NAs cessation, and 35 patients (92.1%) relapsed in the first year after NAs cessation. Consolidation period (≥ 24 mo vs < 24 mo) (HR 0.506, P = 0.043) and HBsAg at cessation (≥ 100 IU/mL vs < 100 IU/mL) (HR 14.869, P = 0.008) were significant predictors in multivariate Cox regression. In the PSM cohort, which included 144 patients, there were lower cumulative relapse rates in patients with HBeAg seroconversion (P = 0.036).
CONCLUSION HBeAg-positive CHB patients with HBeAg loss may be able to discontinue NAs therapy after long-term consolidation, especially in patients with HBsAg at cessation < 100 IU/mL. Careful monitoring, especially in the early stages after cessation, may ensure a favorable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xue
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250033, Shandong Province, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250033, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Hepatology, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250033, Shandong Province, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People’s Hospital, Tianjin 300000, China
- Tianjin Institute of Hepatology, Tianjin 300000, China
| | - Li-Xin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250033, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Fan
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250033, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Hepatology, Qingdao Sixth People’s Hospital, Qingdao 266100, Shandong Province, China
| | - Bao-Hua Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250033, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250033, Shandong Province, China
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8
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Perspectives on stopping nucleos(t)ide analogues therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Antiviral Res 2020; 185:104992. [PMID: 33279523 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Long-term treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) is the current first line therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), recommended by most of the current guidelines. NAs prevent disease progression, liver failure, decrease the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and have favorable safety profiles. However, low rates of on-therapy functional cure (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] loss), which is regarded as the optimal end point, prevent many patients from stopping NA therapy with the need for a lifelong treatment. The higher likelihood of HBsAg loss associated with stopping as compared to continuing NAs has got a lot of attention recently. Recommendations regarding endpoints allowing for safely stopping NA therapy differ between international guidelines. Whereas in HBeAg-positive patients, HBeAg seroconversion with at least one year of consolidation therapy is an acceptable endpoint of treatment, the recommendations for HBeAg-negative ones differ. Some guidelines propose ≥3 years of HBV DNA undetectability to stop NA while others regard HBsAg loss as the only acceptable endpoint. Stopping NA can lead to substantial rates of virologic relapses and consequent ALT flares in some cases. Moreover, no reliable predictor(s) of post-NA relapses have been identified so far. Quantitative HBsAg is becoming an increasingly promising marker to predict safe NA cessation. On the other hand, investigating the role of the immune system in mediating sustained virologic responses after NA withdrawal is needed to suggest immunological biomarkers to safely stop NA. In this article, we will review relevant literature regarding NA stopping strategy and discuss promising viral and immunological biomarkers to predict antiviral responses and thus to help identify patients who are more likely to achieve HBsAg seroclearance.
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9
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Hall S, Howell J, Visvanathan K, Thompson A. The Yin and the Yang of Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B-When to Start, When to Stop Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Therapy. Viruses 2020; 12:v12090934. [PMID: 32854335 PMCID: PMC7552074 DOI: 10.3390/v12090934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 257 million individuals worldwide are chronically infected with the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are the first-line treatment option for most patients. Entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) are both potent, safe antiviral agents, have a high barrier to resistance, and are now off patent. They effectively suppress HBV replication to reduce the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Treatment is continued long-term in most patients, as NA therapy rarely induces HBsAg loss or functional cure. Two diverging paradigms in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B have recently emerged. First, the public health focussed "treat-all" strategy, advocating for early and lifelong antiviral therapy to minimise the risk of HCC as well as the risk of HBV transmission. In LMICs, this strategy may be cost saving compared to monitoring off treatment. Second, the concept of "stopping" NA therapy in patients with HBeAg-negative disease after long-term viral suppression, a personalised treatment strategy aiming for long-term immune control and even HBsAg loss off treatment. In this manuscript, we will briefly review the current standard of care approach to the management of hepatitis B, before discussing emerging evidence to support both the "treat-all" strategy, as well as the "stop" strategy, and how they may both have a role in the management of patients with chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Hall
- Gastroenterology Department, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Pde, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; (J.H.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jessica Howell
- Gastroenterology Department, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Pde, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; (J.H.); (A.T.)
| | - Kumar Visvanathan
- Infectious Diseases Department, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Pde, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia;
| | - Alexander Thompson
- Gastroenterology Department, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Pde, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; (J.H.); (A.T.)
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10
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Li X, Zhang L, Qiu M, Huang Y, Xiao H, Lu B, Jiang Y, Long F, Lin H, He J, Wu Q, Zhang M, Wang L, Zhu X, Gong M, Sun X, Sun J, Sun F, Lu W, Xu W, Chen G, Li Z, Gan D, Yang X, Du H, Ye Y. Chinese herbal medicine combined with entecavir to reduce the off-therapy recurrence risk in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients: a multicener, double-blind, randomized controlled trial in China. Trials 2020; 21:708. [PMID: 32787905 PMCID: PMC7422608 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04417-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are the first-line option against chronic hepatitis B (CHB). NAs produce potent suppression of viral replication with a small chance of HBsAg seroclearance and a high risk of virological relapse after discontinuation. The combined therapy of NAs plus traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely accepted and has been recognized as a prospective alternative approach in China. Based on preliminary works, this study was designed to observe the therapeutic effect of TCM plus entecavir (ETV) against HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B with respect to reducing the recurrence risk after NA withdrawal. Methods/design The study is a nationwide, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a duration of 120 weeks. A total of 18 hospitals and 490 eligible Chinese HBeAg-positive CHB patients will be enrolled and randomly allocated into the experimental group and control group in a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the experimental group will be prescribed TCM formulae (Tiaogan-BuXu-Jiedu granules) plus ETV 0.5 mg per day for consolidation therapy for 96 weeks. Patients in the control group will be prescribed TCM granule placebo plus ETV 0.5 mg per day for the same course. After consolidation therapy, all patients will discontinue their trial drugs and be closely monitored over the next 24 weeks. Once clinical recurrence (CR) occurs, ETV treatment will be restarted. The primary outcome is the cumulative rate of CR at the end of this trial. Conclusion This study is the first of its kind to observe therapeutic effects with respect to reducing recurrence after NA withdrawals after unified integrative consolidation therapy in the CHB population. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry No. ChiCTR1900021232. Registered on February 2, 2019
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoke Li
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Ludan Zhang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Mei Qiu
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Hepatology, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, 400021, China
| | - Huanming Xiao
- Department of Hepatology, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bingjiu Lu
- Department of Hepatology, Liaoning Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Yuyong Jiang
- Department of Hepatology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Fuli Long
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530023, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of Hepatology, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Jinyu He
- Department of Hepatology, Shaanxi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 710003, China
| | - Qikai Wu
- Department of Hepatology, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518112, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Mingxiang Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, The Sixth People's Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang, 110006, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, Chengdu, 610066, China
| | - Xiaoning Zhu
- Department of Hepatology, Affiliated traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646699, China
| | - Man Gong
- Department of Hepatology, 302 Military Hospital of China, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Xuehua Sun
- Department of Hepatology, Shanghai Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai, 200021, China
| | - Jianguang Sun
- Department of Hepatology, Shandong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250011, China
| | - Fengxia Sun
- Department of Hepatology, Beijing Chinese Medicine Hospital, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Department of Hepatology, The Second People's Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300000, China
| | - Weihua Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Zhiguo Li
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Danan Gan
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Xianzhao Yang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Hongbo Du
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Yong'an Ye
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China.
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11
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Liem KS, Fung S, Wong DK, Yim C, Noureldin S, Chen J, Feld JJ, Hansen BE, Janssen HLA. Limited sustained response after stopping nucleos(t)ide analogues in patients with chronic hepatitis B: results from a randomised controlled trial (Toronto STOP study). Gut 2019; 68:2206-2213. [PMID: 31462554 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although most patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) reach effective virological suppression with long-term nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) therapy, some might not need to continue treatment for life. In this randomised, controlled, phase IV trial, we evaluated off-therapy outcomes in patients after discontinuing long-term NA therapy. DESIGN Patients who had received NA therapy for ≥1 year and achieved virological suppression (hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion combined with undetectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA ≥12 months in HBeAg-positive patients or undetectable HBV DNA ≥36 months in HBeAg-negative patients) were randomised 2:1 to stop or continue NA therapy for 72 weeks. Sustained disease remission (HBeAg negative, HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL and normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT)) was evaluated at 72 weeks after stopping NA therapy. RESULTS Among 67 enrolled patients, sustained disease remission was observed in 13/45 (29%) stop versus 18/22 (82%) continue patients. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss occurred in two patients (one in each group). The median HBsAg decline from randomisation to week 72 was similar in both groups (0.2 (0.0-0.4) vs 0.1 (0.0-0.2) log IU/mL in stop vs continue patients). Among patients who stopped, 15/45 (33%) had virological or biochemical relapse and 17/45 (38%) were retreated according to predefined criteria. A total of 11/18 (61%) pretreatment HBeAg-positive versus 6/27 (22%) HBeAg-negative patients required retreatment (p=0.01). Fourteen (31%) patients developed ALT >10× upper limit of normal (ULN) and another 7 (16%) had ALT >5× ULN. No patients experienced liver decompensation or died. CONCLUSION The findings of this prospective study suggest limited benefit of stopping NA therapy in chronic hepatitis B. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01911156.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kin Seng Liem
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Scott Fung
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David K Wong
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colina Yim
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Seham Noureldin
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jiayun Chen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Liu Y, Jia M, Wu S, Jiang W, Feng Y. Predictors of relapse after cessation of nucleos(t)ide analog treatment in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients: A meta-analysis. Int J Infect Dis 2019; 86:201-207. [PMID: 31394205 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of relapse after the withdrawal of nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy in patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases were searched through January 2019. A random-effects model meta-analysis was performed, with hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) used as summary statistics. RESULTS Seventeen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Age (HR=1.022 per year), baseline hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (HR=1.509 per log IU/l), end of treatment (EOT) HBsAg level (HR=1.896 per log IU/l), EOT HBsAg level ≥1000 IU/ml (HR=1.749), and HBsAg decline from baseline to EOT (HR=0.748 per log IU/l) were associated with virological relapse. The predictors of clinical relapse were baseline HBsAg level (HR=1.312 per log IU/l), EOT HBsAg level (HR=1.458 per log IU/l), EOT HBsAg level ≥100IU/ml (HR=3.199) or ≥1000 IU/ml (HR=1.810), and duration of consolidation therapy (HR=0.991 per month). CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis indicates that age, the duration of consolidation therapy, and levels of baseline and EOT HBsAg were factors predictive of relapse in HBeAg-negative CHB patients who discontinued NA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180# Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Minglei Jia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengdi Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180# Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180# Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yifan Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180# Fenglin Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Zhang L, Zhang FK. Recent advances in assessment and treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2019; 27:209-219. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v27.i4.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews the recent advances in the assessment and treatment of chronic hepatitis B with regard to predicting inflammation and fibrosis with non-invasive biomarkers and transient elastography, clinical benefits of long-term nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) antiviral therapy, serological benefits (HBeAg and HBsAg loss) of concurrent or sequential NAs and pegylated interferon, as well as risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijingshan Hospital, Beijing 100043, China
| | - Fu-Kui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijingshan Hospital, Beijing 100043, China
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