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Tsai YN, Wu JL, Tseng CH, Chen TH, Wu YL, Chen CC, Fang YJ, Yang TH, Nguyen MH, Lin JT, Hsu YC. Hepatitis B core-related antigen dynamics and risk of subsequent clinical relapses after nucleos(t)ide analog cessation. Clin Mol Hepatol 2024; 30:98-108. [PMID: 38092551 PMCID: PMC10776300 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2023.0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Finite nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy has been proposed as an alternative treatment strategy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), but biomarkers for post-treatment monitoring are limited. We investigated whether measuring hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) after NA cessation may stratify the risk of subsequent clinical relapse (CR). METHODS This retrospective multicenter analysis enrolled adults with CHB who were prospectively monitored after discontinuing entecavir or tenofovir with negative HBeAg and undetectable HBV DNA at the end of treatment (EOT). Patients with cirrhosis or malignancy were excluded. CR was defined as serum alanine aminotransferase > two times the upper limit of normal with recurrent viremia. We applied time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models to clarify the association between HBcrAg levels and subsequent CR. RESULTS The cohort included 203 patients (median age, 49.8 years; 76.8% male; 60.6% entecavir) who had been treated for a median of 36.9 months (interquartile range [IQR], 36.5-40.1). During a median post-treatment follow-up of 31.7 months (IQR, 16.7-67.1), CR occurred in 104 patients with a 5-year cumulative incidence of 54.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 47.1-62.4%). Time-varying HBcrAg level was a significant risk factor for subsequent CR (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.53 per log U/mL; 95% CI, 1.12-2.08) with adjustment for EOT HBsAg, EOT anti-HBe, EOT HBcrAg and time-varying HBsAg. During follow-up, HBcrAg <1,000 U/mL predicted a lower risk of CR (aHR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.21-0.81). CONCLUSION Dynamic measurement of HBcrAg after NA cessation is predictive of subsequent CR and may be useful to guide post-treatment monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Nan Tsai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Ling Wu
- Department of Public Health, National Cheng Kung University, College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hao Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Haw Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Chang Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Fang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin, Taiwan
| | - Tzeng-Huey Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Lotung Poh-Ai Hospital, Yilan, Taiwan
| | - Mindie H. Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jaw-Town Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chun Hsu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Okumura T, Joshita S, Iwadare T, Wakabayashi SI, Kobayashi H, Yamashita Y, Sugiura A, Kimura T, Umemura T. Kinetics of serum O-glycosylated M-hepatitis B surface antigen with hepatocellular carcinoma history and nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in hepatitis B patients. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:731-739. [PMID: 37363934 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
A newly developed O-glycosylated M-hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAgGi) measurement system can detect hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) associated with infectious particles. We investigated the association of HBsAgGi levels with clinical parameters and a history of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in a cross-sectional cohort analysis (Study 1) as well as the quantitative changes in HBsAgGi during nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy in a longitudinal cohort analysis (Study 2). A total of 124 patients with genotype C chronic HBV infection were analysed in Study 1 to evaluate correlations of HBsAgGi with conventional HBV markers and HCC history. Among those, 36 patients receiving NA therapy were enrolled in Study 2 for quantitative comparisons between pre-treatment baseline and 48 weeks of NA therapy. In Study 1, serum HBsAgGi was significantly associated with HBsAg (r = .5857, p < .00001) and weakly but significantly correlated with HBV DNA (r = .2936, p = .001). Although HBsAgGi (p = .111) was comparable between HCC history (+) group and HCC history (-) group, the HBsAgGi/HBsAg ratio (p = .011) was significantly higher in HCC history (+) patients. In Study 2, HBsAgGi was significantly decreased after 48 weeks of NA therapy (p < .001). HBsAg findings were similar (p = .005) along with an HBV DNA reduction (p < .001). In the baseline hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) (+) subgroup, HBsAgGi decreased significantly between baseline and 48 weeks of NA (p = .005), while HBsAg was comparable (p = .051). Low HBsAg and high HBsAgGi were associated with a history of HCC development. HBsAgGi decreased significantly by 48-week NA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiki Okumura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Joshita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Department of Health Promotion Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takanobu Iwadare
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Wakabayashi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kobayashi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Department of Health Promotion Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamashita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Ayumi Sugiura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kimura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takeji Umemura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Department of Health Promotion Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Department of Advanced Endoscopic Therapy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Consultation Center for Liver Diseases, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
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Adraneda C, Tan YC, Yeo EJ, Kew GS, Khakpoor A, Lim SG. A critique and systematic review of the clinical utility of hepatitis B core-related antigen. J Hepatol 2023; 78:731-741. [PMID: 36586590 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) is a new biomarker for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) whose performance has not been critically or systematically appraised. Herein, we performed a systematic review to determine its clinical utility. METHODS We evaluated the biological pathway of HBcrAg and performed a systematic review of PubMed for clinical trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies that evaluated the clinical utility of HBcrAg. The effectiveness of HBcrAg in predicting HBV-specific clinical events (e.g. HBeAg seroconversion, phases of CHB, HBsAg loss, treatment response, and relapse after stopping therapy) was examined using receiver-operating characteristic curves. The correlation coefficients of HBcrAg with HBV DNA, quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg), HBV RNA, and cccDNA were summarised from published studies. Median values were used as estimates. RESULTS HBcrAg consists of three precore/core protein products: HBcAg, HBeAg, and a 22 kDa precore protein. HBcrAg assays have been associated with false-positive rates of 9.3% and false-negative rates of between 12-35% for CHB. The new iTACT-HBcrAg is more sensitive but does not reduce the false-positive rate. A PubMed search found 248 papers on HBcrAg, of which 59 were suitable for analysis. The clinical performance of HBcrAg was evaluated using AUROC analyses, with median AUROCs of 0.860 for HBeAg seroconversion, 0.867 for predicting HBeAg(-) hepatitis, 0.645 for HBsAg loss, 0.757 for treatment response, and 0.688 for relapse after stopping therapy. The median correlation coefficient (r) was 0.630 with HBV DNA, 0.414 with qHBsAg, 0.619 with HBV RNA and 0.550 with cccDNA. Correlation decreased during antiviral therapy, but combined biomarkers improved performance. CONCLUSIONS HBcrAg has a mixed performance and has a poor correlation with HBsAg loss and antiviral therapy, hence HBcrAg results should be interpreted with caution. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) has been used to assess management of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) without a systematic and critical Sreview of its performance. Our finding that HBcrAg had a false-positive rate of 9% and a false-negative rate of 12-35% raises concerns, although larger studies are needed for validation. A systematic review showed that the performance of HBcrAg was variable depending on the CHB endpoint; it was excellent at predicting HBeAg seroconversion and HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis (vs. chronic infection), which should be its main use, but it was poor for relapse after stopping antiviral therapy and for HBsAg loss. HBcrAg results should be interpreted with considerable caution, particularly by physicians, researchers, guideline committees and agencies that approve diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yong Chuan Tan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ee Jin Yeo
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Guan Sen Kew
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Atefeh Khakpoor
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seng Gee Lim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Biopolis, Singapore.
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Surrogate Markers for Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:327-340. [PMID: 35445388 DOI: 10.1055/a-1830-2741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most common causes of liver disease worldwide. Chronic HBV infection is currently incurable because of the persistence of the viral template for the viral transcripts, covalently closed circular deoxyribonucleic acid (cccDNA). Detecting changes in cccDNA transcriptional activity is key to understanding fundamental virology, determining the efficacy of new therapies, and deciding the optimal clinical management of HBV patients. In this review, we summarize surrogate circulating biomarkers that have been used to infer cccDNA levels and activity in people with chronic hepatitis B. Moreover, we outline the current shortcomings of the current biomarkers and highlight the clinical importance in improving them and expanding their use.
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Luo M, Zhou B, Hou J, Jiang D. Biomarkers for predicting nucleos(t)ide analogs discontinuation and hepatitis B virus recurrence after drug withdrawal in chronic hepatitis B patients. Hepatol Res 2022; 52:337-351. [PMID: 35089634 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM To summarize HBV-related biomarkers predicting nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) discontinuation and hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after drug withdrawal in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, providing references for clinical medication, so as to manage CHB patients more scientifically. METHODS Related pieces of literature were retrieved in PubMed and the results were sorted out. We then analyzed and summarized these articles. RESULTS We found that HBV related biomarkers maybe could predict NAs withdrawal safely and the possibility of relapse after treatment cessation, including hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV DNA, HBV RNA, pregenomic-RNA (pgRNA), hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), and models containing several indicators for predicting the effectiveness of treatment. CONCLUSIONS HBV DNA, HBV RNA, pgRNA, HBcrAg, anti-HBc, as well as the prediction models formed by several biomarkers could predict the safe discontinuation of NAs before HBsAg loss and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Institutes of Liver Diseases Research of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Institutes of Liver Diseases Research of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Institutes of Liver Diseases Research of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Deke Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Institutes of Liver Diseases Research of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Li M, Sun F, Bi X, Lin Y, Yang L, Lu Y, Zhang L, Wan G, Yi W, Zhao L, Xie Y. Consolidation treatment needed for sustained HBsAg-negative response induced by interferon-alpha in HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B patients. Virol Sin 2022; 37:390-397. [PMID: 35257963 PMCID: PMC9243604 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance is considered as functional cure in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to assess the durability of HBsAg clearance achieved by interferon-based therapies in patients with CHB who were originally positive for hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg). In this prospective study, HBeAg-positive CHB patients with confirmed HBsAg loss under interferon-based therapies were enrolled within 12 weeks from end of treatment and followed up for 48 weeks. Virological markers, biochemical indicators, and liver imaging examinations were observed every 3–6 months. Sustained functional cure was analysed as primary outcome. Factor associated with sustained HBsAg loss or reversion was also investigated. The rate of HBsAg loss sustainability was 91.8% (212/231). Patients receiving consolidation treatment for 12–24 weeks or ≥ 24 weeks had higher rates of sustained HBsAg negativity than those receiving consolidation treatment for < 12 weeks (98.3% and 91.2% vs. 86.7%, P = 0.068), and the former groups had significantly higher anti-HBs levels than the later (P < 0.05). The cumulative incidence of HBsAg reversion and HBV DNA reversion was 8.2% and 3.9%, respectively. Consolidation treatment of ≥ 12 weeks [odd ratio (OR) 3.318, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.077–10.224, P = 0.037) was a predictor of sustained functional cure, and HBeAg-positivity at cessation of treatment (OR 12.271, 95% CI 1.076–139.919, P = 0.043) was a predictor of HBsAg reversion. Interferon-alpha induced functional cure was durable and a consolidation treatment of ≥ 12–24 weeks was needed after HBsAg loss in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. It is a large prospective study of clinical cure in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. It showed the functional cure induced by interferon-alpha was durable. The extended IFN therapy is critical for HBsAg loss in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. Therapy of IFN consolidation ≥12–24 weeks is necessary in the clinical cure of CHB.
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Tsuge M. The association between hepatocarcinogenesis and intracellular alterations due to hepatitis B virus infection. Liver Int 2021; 41:2836-2848. [PMID: 34559952 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem leading to severe liver dysfunction, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although current antiviral therapies for chronic HBV infection have been improved and can lead to a strong suppression of viral replication, it is difficult to completely eliminate the virus with these therapies once chronic HBV infection is established in the host. Furthermore, chronic HBV infection alters intracellular metabolism and signalling pathways, resulting in the activation of carcinogenesis in the liver. HBV produces four viral proteins: hepatitis B surface-, hepatitis B core-, hepatitis B x protein, and polymerase; each plays an important role in HBV replication and the intracellular signalling pathways associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. In vitro and in vivo experimental models for analyzing HBV infection and replication have been established, and gene expression analyses using microarrays or next-generation sequencing have also been developed. Thus, it is possible to clarify the molecular mechanisms for intracellular alterations, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and epigenetic modifications. In this review, the impact of HBV viral proteins and intracellular alterations in HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Tsuge
- Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Jaroenlapnopparat A, Chayanupatkul M, Tangkijvanich P. Novel viral markers and the prediction of off-treatment relapse in chronic hepatitis B patients: A systematic review. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:2349-2362. [PMID: 33811375 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) and hepatitis B virus RNA (HBV RNA) are novel markers that reflect intrahepatic cccDNA and could be useful in the prediction of relapse after nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) discontinuation. The aim of the study is to perform a systematic review on this issue. METHODS Medline/Pubmed database was searched using text terms related to HBcrAg, RNA, NAs, discontinuation, and relapse. Included studies were those that enrolled adult patients who had been on NAs for more than 6 months with available information on end-of-treatment (EOT) HBcrAg and/or HBV RNA and relapse rates. RESULTS Sixteen studies were included. Virological and clinical relapse rates ranged from 11% to 100% and 11% to 73%, respectively. Low or undetectable EOT HBcrAg levels were associated with low off-treatment relapse rates in most studies with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.69-0.70 for predicting virological relapse (VR) and 0.61-0.77 for predicting clinical relapse (CR). Undetectable EOT HBV RNA was associated with a lower risk of off-treatment relapse with AUROC of 0.65-0.76 for predicting VR and 0.66-0.73 for predicting CR. Combined EOT HBcrAg and HBV RNA performed better in predicting off-treatment relapse than either test alone with AUROC of 0.816-0.846 for predicting CR. None of the patients with double-negative HBV RNA and HBcrAg developed CR. CONCLUSION Combining HBcrAg with HBV RNA or HBsAg improved the discriminating abilities in the prediction of off-treatment relapse of each test. Patients with double-negative HBcrAg and HBV RNA at EOT had low risks of relapse and could be considered for NA discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aunchalee Jaroenlapnopparat
- Alternative and Complementary Medicine for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Maneerat Chayanupatkul
- Alternative and Complementary Medicine for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Huang PY, Wang JH, Hung CH, Lu SN, Hu TH, Chen CH. The role of hepatitis B virus core-related antigen in predicting hepatitis B virus relapse after cessation of entecavir in hepatitis B e antigen-negative patients. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1141-1149. [PMID: 33932245 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the ability of hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) to predict hepatitis B virus (HBV) relapse in HBeAg-negative patients after cessation of entecavir therapy. A total of 301 HBeAg-negative patients without cirrhosis who had stopped entecavir therapy for at least 12 months were recruited. All patients fulfilled the stopping criteria proposed by the APASL 2012 guidelines. The five-year cumulative rates of virological relapse, clinical relapse and HBsAg loss were 71.6%, 57.3% and 18.7%, respectively. Serum HBsAg at end of treatment (EOT) was an independent predictor of virological relapse, clinical relapse and HBsAg loss; an EOT HBsAg of 150 IU/ml was the optimal cut-off value. The 5-year virological relapse rates for patients with <150 and ≥150 IU/ml HBsAg at EOT were 43.3% and 82.2% (p < 0.001), clinical relapse rates were 32.3% and 66.3% (p < 0.001), and HBsAg loss rates were 46.1% and 5.2% (p < 0.001), respectively. A baseline HBcrAg of 4 IU/ml was the optimal cut-off value for predicting HBV relapse. Among patients with an EOT HBsAg <150 IU/ml, the five-year virological relapse rates for patients with baseline HBcrAg levels ≤4 and >4 log U/ml were 27.9% and 59.1% (p = 0.006) and the clinical relapse rates were 18% and 48.1% (p = 0.014), respectively. EOT HBcrAg was not a significant predictor of virological or clinical relapse after cessation of entecavir. In conclusion, the combination of an EOT HBsAg of 150 IU/ml and baseline HBcrAg of 4 log U/ml can effectively predict the risk of HBV relapse after stopping entecavir therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pao-Yuan Huang
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Houng Wang
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hung Hung
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hui Hu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Inoue J, Sato K, Ninomiya M, Masamune A. Envelope Proteins of Hepatitis B Virus: Molecular Biology and Involvement in Carcinogenesis. Viruses 2021; 13:1124. [PMID: 34208172 PMCID: PMC8230773 DOI: 10.3390/v13061124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The envelope of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is required for the entry to hepatocytes, consists of a lipid bilayer derived from hepatocyte and HBV envelope proteins, large/middle/small hepatitis B surface antigen (L/M/SHBs). The mechanisms and host factors for the envelope formation in the hepatocytes are being revealed. HBV-infected hepatocytes release a large amount of subviral particles (SVPs) containing L/M/SHBs that facilitate escape from the immune system. Recently, novel drugs inhibiting the functions of the viral envelope and those inhibiting the release of SVPs have been reported. LHBs that accumulate in ER is considered to promote carcinogenesis and, especially, deletion mutants in the preS1/S2 domain have been reported to be associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we summarize recent reports on the findings regarding the biological characteristics of HBV envelope proteins, their involvement in HCC development and new agents targeting the envelope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (K.S.); (M.N.); (A.M.)
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Combining end-of-treatment HBsAg and baseline hepatitis B core-related antigen reduce HBV relapse rate after tenofovir cessation. Hepatol Int 2021; 15:301-309. [PMID: 33665773 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10159-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The study investigated the role of hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) relapse after stopping tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in HBeAg-negative patients. METHODS A total of 185 HBeAg-negative patients without cirrhosis who had stopped TDF treatment for at least 6 months were recruited. All patients fulfilled the stopping criteria proposed by the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver 2012. RESULTS The 3-year cumulative incidences of virological relapse, clinical relapse, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss were 72, 60.1 and 14.5%, respectively. End-of-treatment (EOT) HBsAg level was an independent predictor of virological relapse (hazard ratio (HR): 2.263; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.779-2.887), clinical relapse (HR 1.773; 95% CI 1.367-2.298), and HBsAg loss (HR 0.179; 95% CI 0.096-0.335). Among patients who had HBsAg < 100 and ≥ 100 IU/mL, the 3-year virological relapse rates were 37.4% and 85.3% (p < 0.001), clinical relapse rates were 30.3 and 71.7% (p < 0.001), and HBsAg loss rates were 40.6 and 2.6% (p < 0.001), respectively. Among the 53 patients with EOT HBsAg level < 100 IU/mL, the 3-year virological relapse rates in patients with baseline HBcrAg levels < 4.7 and ≥ 4.7 log10 U/mL were 20.3 and 60.4% (p = 0.003), and the clinical relapse rates were 10.3 and 59.5% (p < 0.001) respectively. Additionally, the 3-year HBsAg loss rates in patients with baseline HBcrAg ≤ 3 and > 3 log10 U/mL were 42.9 and 7.9% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The combination of EOT HBsAg and baseline HBcrAg levels could further reduce the risk of HBV relapse after stopping TDF therapy in HBeAg-negative patients.
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Itokawa N, Atsukawa M, Tsubota A, Shimada N, Toyoda H, Takaguchi K, Hiraoka A, Senoh T, Koeda M, Yoshida Y, Okubo T, Arai T, Hayama K, Nakagawa-Iwashita A, Kondo C, Iwakiri K. Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Kinetics and Responses in Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a Monotherapy for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B. Intern Med 2021; 60:507-516. [PMID: 33583931 PMCID: PMC7946504 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.5432-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Pegylated-interferon monotherapy is the standard treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis B; however, the factors associated with its therapeutic effects remain unclear. Methods Patients with chronic hepatitis B were treated with pegylated interferon α-2a for 48 weeks. We evaluated the kinetics of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) during treatment and follow-up periods and the factors associated with an HBsAg response (defined as a change in HBsAg of ≥-1 log IU/mL from baseline). Results The study population comprised 50 patients. The median baseline levels of hepatitis B virus DNA and HBsAg were 5.00 and 3.40 log IU/mL. The median values of HBsAg reduction from baseline were -0.44 (n=48), -0.41 (n=40), and -0.68 (n=11) log IU/mL at the end of treatment and at 48 and 144 weeks post-treatment, respectively. The rates of HBsAg response were 24.0% and 22.5% at the end of treatment and at 48 weeks post-treatment, respectively. A multivariate analysis identified HBsAg <3.00 log IU/mL as an independent baseline factor contributing to the HBsAg response at the end of treatment and 48 weeks post-treatment (p=1.07×10-2 and 4.42×10-2, respectively). There were significant differences in the reduction of the HBsAg levels at 12 weeks of treatment and in the incidence of serum ALT increase during treatment between patients with and without an HBsAg response. Conclusion These findings suggest that the baseline HBsAg level, HBsAg kinetics at 12 weeks of treatment, and ALT increase during treatment are important factors contributing to the HBsAg response in pegylated interferon α-2a monotherapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norio Itokawa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
| | - Masanori Atsukawa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Japan
| | - Akihito Tsubota
- Core Research Facilities, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Noritomo Shimada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Otakanomori Hospital, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Japan
| | - Koichi Takaguchi
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hiraoka
- Gastroenterology Center, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Tomonori Senoh
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Mai Koeda
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
| | - Yuji Yoshida
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
| | - Tomomi Okubo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
| | - Taeang Arai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
| | - Korenobu Hayama
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
| | - Ai Nakagawa-Iwashita
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
| | - Chisa Kondo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Iwakiri
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Japan
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Kaewdech A, Tangkijvanich P, Sripongpun P, Witeerungrot T, Jandee S, Tanaka Y, Piratvisuth T. Hepatitis B surface antigen, core-related antigen and HBV RNA: Predicting clinical relapse after NA therapy discontinuation. Liver Int 2020; 40:2961-2971. [PMID: 32668074 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The safe discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy remains challenging in chronic hepatitis B. We investigated the potential role of quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core-related antigen and hepatitis B virus RNA at the end of treatment in predicting off-therapy relapse. METHODS Patients who fulfilled the stopping criteria of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver guideline were enrolled. Virological relapse was defined as hepatitis B virus DNA level greater than 2000 IU/mL, and clinical relapse was defined as virological relapse plus alanine aminotransferase level of more than twice the upper limit of normal. RESULTS Ninety-two patients participated. The combination of end-of-treatment hepatitis B core-related antigen and hepatitis B virus RNA levels was most predictive of clinical relapse. Multivariate analysis revealed that end-of-treatment hepatitis B core-related antigen and hepatitis B virus RNA were independently associated with clinical relapse. During follow-up, no patients with undetectable hepatitis B core-related antigen (<3.0 log10 U/mL) and hepatitis B virusRNA (<2.0 log10 copies/mL) at end of treatment developed clinical relapse, in comparison with 22.9% and 62.5% patients with detectable levels of one or both biomarkers respectively. End-of-treatment quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen was linked to a likelihood of hepatitis B surface antigen clearance. CONCLUSIONS The combined hepatitis B core-related antigen and hepatitis B virus RNA assays at end of treatment were highly predictive of subsequent clinical relapse. These novel biomarkers could potentially be used to identify patients who could safely discontinue nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apichat Kaewdech
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pimsiri Sripongpun
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Teepawit Witeerungrot
- NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Songklanagarind Hospital, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Sawangpong Jandee
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Teerha Piratvisuth
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
- NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Songklanagarind Hospital, Songkhla, Thailand
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Incidence and Factors Associated With HBV Relapse After Cessation of Entecavir or Tenofovir in Patients With HBsAg Below 100 IU/mL. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 18:2803-2812.e2. [PMID: 32360818 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We investigated the incidence and factors associated with relapse of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in patients with levels of HB surface antigen (HBsAg) less than 100 IU/mL after cessation of entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) treatment. METHODS We collected data from patients with chronic HBV infection without cirrhosis treated with entecavir from 2007 through 2015 or TDF from 2011 through 2016 in Taiwan. We identified 135 patients with levels of HBsAg less than 100 IU/mL at the end of treatment (79 entecavir and 56 TDF) and collected data from them for a median of 87 weeks (interquartile range, 48-161 wk) for use as the development set. We collected data from 108 patients from separate medical centers in Taiwan, followed up for a median of 126 weeks (interquartile range, 61-214 wk), and used these as the validation group. Post-treatment virologic relapse was defined as a serum HBV DNA level greater than 2000 IU/mL, and clinical relapse was defined as an alanine aminotransferase level greater than 80 U/L and a HBV DNA level greater than 2000 IU/mL. RESULTS In the development group, the 5-year incidences of virologic relapse, clinical relapse, and HBsAg loss were 40.9%, 32.5%, and 47%, respectively. The baseline HBV DNA and end-of-treatment levels of HBsAg were associated independently with relapse. In the development group, 17.3% of patients with end-of-treatment HBsAg levels less than 40 IU/mL had a virologic relapse within 5 years, whereas 67.6% of patients with a HBsAg level of 40 IU/mL or more had a virologic relapse within 5 years (P < .001); proportions of patients with clinical relapses were 10.2% (HBsAg <40 IU/mL) and 57.6% (HBsAg ≥40 IU/mL; P < .001). In the validation groups, for patients with end-of-treatment HBsAg levels less than 40 IU/mL or 40 IU/mL or more, the rates of virologic relapse at 5 years were 31.1% and 80.5% (P < .001), and rates of clinical relapse were 14.2% and 50.3% (P < .001), respectively. Rates of virologic and clinical relapse within 5 years were low (<10%) in patients with a combination of end-of-treatment HBsAg level less than 40 IU/mL and baseline HBV DNA level less than 5 × 104 IU/mL, or baseline hepatitis B core-related antigen level less than 4 log U/mL in the development group. CONCLUSIONS An end-of-treatment HBsAg level of 40 IU/mL or less is optimal for stopping nucleos(t)ide analog therapy. Waiting to stop therapy until patients have a combination of baseline HBV DNA level of 5 × 104 IU/mL or hepatitis B core-related antigen of 4 log U/mL and end-of-treatment HBsAg level of 40 IU/mL might reduce the risk of HBV relapse.
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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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16
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Japan Society of Hepatology Guidelines for the Management of Hepatitis B Virus Infection: 2019 update. Hepatol Res 2020; 50:892-923. [PMID: 32343469 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Drafting Committee for Hepatitis Management Guidelines established by the Japan Society of Hepatology published the first version of the Guidelines for the Management of Hepatitis B in 2013 (first English version in 2014), and has since been publishing updates to the Guidelines as new drugs become available, with the latest original Japanese version being Version 3.1. Herein, the Drafting Committee publishes the second English version that contains all the changes made since the first English version of the guidelines was published in 2014. This 2019 version covers: (i) the nucleos(t)ide analogs, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and tenofovir alafenamide; (ii) updates to treatment recommendations and management of drug-resistant hepatitis B virus that reflect the new availability of these drugs; and (iii) new information about hepatitis B virus reactivation with each update. This latest update also contains information about treatment goals, indications for treatment and cessation of nucleos(t)ide analog therapy, most of which were covered by the first version.
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Zhou L, Zhang X, Cai J, Yan L, Lv D, Tang X, Liu D, Tang H. HBcAg distribution predicts virologic response to PEG-IFNα therapy in HBeAg-positive CHB with minimally elevated ALT. Future Virol 2019. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2019-0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Aim: This study evaluated the use of initial Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antigen (HBcAg) distribution in hepatocytes to predict chronic infection with HBV patients with minimally elevated ALT who can achieve viral response to PEG-IFNα therapy. Materials & methods: HBeAg-positive chronic infection with HBV patients with minimally elevated ALT who were treated with PEG-IFNα were enrolled. Predictive values of initial HBcAg distribution in hepatocytes were evaluated. Results: HBcAg of no-end-of-treatment viral response group was more likely to be distributed in hepatocyte nuclei (p = 0.02) and exhibited a higher degree of HBcAg expression in nuclei (p < 0.0001) before treatment. The degree of HBcAg expression in nuclei might be a better predictor of end-of-treatment viral response (area under the curve: 0.88). Conclusion: Lower HBcAg expressions in nuclei correspond to higher possibilities of patients benefiting from PEG-IFNα treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Zhou
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- Clinical Medicine, West China Clinical Medical College, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Jianwen Cai
- Clinical Medicine, West China Clinical Medical College, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Libo Yan
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Duoduo Lv
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xiaoqiong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Dafeng Liu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
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Kaneko S, Kurosaki M, Tamaki N, Itakura J, Hayashi T, Kirino S, Osawa L, Watakabe K, Okada M, Wang W, Shimizu T, Higuchi M, Takaura K, Yasui Y, Tsuchiya K, Nakanishi H, Takahashi Y, Watanabe M, Izumi N. Tenofovir alafenamide for hepatitis B virus infection including switching therapy from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 34:2004-2010. [PMID: 31017689 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is a new prodrug of tenofovir, enabling treatment of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection at a lower dose than tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), via more efficient delivery of tenofovir to the hepatocytes. We compared the efficacy and safety of TDF and TAF and investigated switching from TDF to TAF therapy. METHODS Consent for TDF and TAF therapy was obtained from 117 and 67 patients from August 2014 to January 2018. In total, 45 and 14 patients were administered with TDF and TAF, respectively, as naïve therapy, and 36 patients were switched from TDF to TAF. The antiviral effects and renal function safety were assessed. RESULTS At week 48, the antiviral effects on patients receiving TDF and TAF as naïve therapy were similar in terms of reduction of HBV DNA (-5.6 ± 1.8 logIU/ml vs -5.0 ± 1.7 log IU/ml; P = 0.34) and hepatitis B surface antigen (-0.29 ± 0.64 logIU/ml vs -0.15 ± 0.42 logIU/ml; P = 0.71) levels. A significant decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was seen at 48-week TDF treatment (-5.34 ± 7.69 ml/min/1.73 m2 ; P < 0.001). Switching from TDF to TAF did not increase the HBV DNA or hepatitis B surface antigen at 24 weeks. Although the eGFR worsened during TDF therapy (-7.32 ± 4.87 ml/min/1.73 m2 ), it improved significantly at week 4 (+3.93 ± 6.18 ml/min/1.73 m2 ; P = 0.008) and week 24 (+2.89 ± 4.26 ml/min/1.73 m2 ; P = 0.020) after switching from TDF to TAF. CONCLUSION Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and TAF showed adequate antiviral effects as naïve therapies. Furthermore, switching from TDF to TAF therapy contributed to the maintenance of the antiviral effect and recovery of renal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kurosaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuharu Tamaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Itakura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuguru Hayashi
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Sakura Kirino
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Leona Osawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiya Watakabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mao Okada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takao Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayu Higuchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenta Takaura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yasui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Tsuchiya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakanishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuka Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mamoru Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Namiki Izumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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van Campenhout MJH, Rijckborst V, Brouwer WP, van Oord GW, Ferenci P, Tabak F, Akdogan M, Pinarbasi B, Simon K, de Knegt RJ, Boonstra A, Janssen HLA, Hansen BE. Hepatitis B core-related antigen monitoring during peginterferon alfa treatment for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:1156-1163. [PMID: 31135084 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Serum Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) level moderately correlates with cccDNA. We examined whether HBcrAg can add value in monitoring the effect of peginterferon (PEG-IFN) therapy for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. Thus, serum HBcrAg level was measured in 133 HBeAg-negative, mainly Caucasian CHB patients, treated with 48 weeks of PEG-IFN alfa-2a. We assessed its association with response (ALT normalization & HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL) at week 72. HBcrAg level strongly correlated with HBV DNA level (r = 0.8, P < 0.001) and weakly with qHBsAg and ALT (both r = 0.2, P = 0.01). At week 48, mean HBcrAg decline was -3.3 log U/mL. Baseline levels were comparable for patients with and without response at week 72 (5.0 vs 4.9 log U/mL, P = 0.59). HBcrAg decline at week 72 differed between patients with and without response (-2.4 vs -1.0 log U/mL, P = 0.001), but no cut-off could be determined. The pattern of decline in responders resembled that of HBV DNA, but HBcrAg decline was weaker (HBcrAg -2.5 log U/mL; HBV DNA: -4.0 log IU/mL, P < 0.001). For early identification of nonresponse, diagnostic accuracy of HBV DNA and qHBsAg decline at week 12 (AUC 0.742, CI-95% [0.0.629-0.855], P < 0.001) did not improve by adding HBcrAg decline (AUC 0.747, CI-95% [0.629-0.855] P < 0.001), nor by replacing HBV DNA decline by HBcrAg decline (AUC 0.754, CI-95% [0.641-0.867], P < 0.001). In conclusion, in Caucasian patients with HBeAg-negative CHB, decline of HBcrAg during PEG-IFN treatment was stronger in patients with treatment response. However, HBcrAg was not superior to HBV DNA and qHBsAg in predicting response during PEG-IFN treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margo J H van Campenhout
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent Rijckborst
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willem Pieter Brouwer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gertine W van Oord
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ferenci
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fehmi Tabak
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meral Akdogan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Binnur Pinarbasi
- Division of Gastroenterohepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Krzysztof Simon
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Robert J de Knegt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - André Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Center for Liver Disease, Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Toronto Center for Liver Disease, Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Liu J, Li T, Zhang L, Xu A. The Role of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Nucleos(t)ide Analogues Cessation Among Asian Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B: A Systematic Review. Hepatology 2019; 70:1045-1055. [PMID: 30561829 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In actual clinical practice, infinite nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is unrealistic. The most commonly used endpoint is suppression of HBV DNA to undetectable levels with normalization of alanine aminotransferase. However, this criterion for cessation of treatment is associated with various incidences of virological and clinical relapse. Recent studies suggest that decreasing the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level at the end of treatment (EOT) to an appropriate cut-off value appears to be a practicable and attainable cessation criterion. We performed a systematic review to explore the optimal cut-off value of HBsAg at EOT for the cessation of NAs treatment. Eleven studies with 1,716 patients were included in this review. When the HBsAg levels at EOT were <100 IU/mL and >100 IU/mL, the respective off-therapy virological relapse rates were 9.1%-19.6% (range) and 31.4%-86.8% (range) at ≥12 months off therapy, regardless of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status; the respective off-therapy clinical relapse rates were 15.4%-29.4% (range) and 48.1%-63.6% (range) at ≥12 months off therapy, regardless of HBeAg status; and the respective off-therapy HBsAg loss rates were 21.1%-58.8% (range) and 3.3%-7.4% (range) for HBeAg-negative patients at ≥39 months off therapy. Conclusion: Cessation of long-term NAs therapy before HBsAg seroclearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B is a feasible alternative to indefinite treatment. An HBsAg level <100 IU/mL at EOT seems to be a useful marker for deciding when to discontinue NAs therapy. However, regular monitoring is required after the cessation of NAs treatment, and long-term outcomes must be further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaye Liu
- Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Aiqiang Xu
- Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
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21
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Iida-Ueno A, Enomoto M, Kozuka R, Tamori A, Kawada N. Switching to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate vs continuing treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B who maintain long-term virological response to entecavir therapy: A randomized trial. J Med Virol 2019; 91:1295-1300. [PMID: 30815880 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
No controlled trial in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on long-term entecavir (ETV) treatment, comparing switching to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) with continuing the therapy, has been reported. Twenty-seven nucleos(t)ide-naïve patients with chronic HBV who underwent ETV therapy for ≥5 years and maintained virological response were included and randomized into two groups: one group continued ETV, and the other switched to TDF, in a 1:2 ratio. The primary endpoint was changed from baseline in serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level at week 48. The baseline characteristics were not different between nineteen patients in the TDF group and eight patients in the ETV group. Mean decreases in HBsAg level at week 48 were 0.023 and 0.042 log10 IU/mL in the TDF and ETV groups, respectively (P = 0.94). The mean drops in hepatitis B core-related antigens were also not different between the TDF and ETV groups at week 48 (P = 0.80). HBV DNA was sustainedly <2.1 log 10 copies/mL in all patients throughout the study period. In contrast, the mean aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in the TDF group than in the ETV group at weeks 12, 24, and 36, although being within the reference range. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was lower in the TDF group than in the ETV group at weeks 24 (P = 0.016) and 48 (P = 0.003). In conclusion, we could not find the effect on reducing HBsAg level by switching to TDF in chronic hepatitis B patients with maintained virological response to ETV for ≥5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Iida-Ueno
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaru Enomoto
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ritsuzo Kozuka
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tamori
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - Norifumi Kawada
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
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22
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Hsu YC, Nguyen MH, Mo LR, Wu MS, Yang TH, Chen CC, Tseng CH, Tai CM, Wu CY, Lin JT, Tanaka Y, Chang CY. Combining hepatitis B core-related and surface antigens at end of nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment to predict off-therapy relapse risk. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2019; 49:107-115. [PMID: 30450681 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There remains an unmet need for convenient biomarkers to assess the risks of discontinuing nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). AIM To investigate if hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) is an independent of surface antigen (HBsAg) for risk prediction of NA cessation. METHODS This prospective multicentre study enrolled 135 CHB patients who stopped entecavir or tenofovir after achieving viral remission for a median of 25.2 months. All patients stopped NA with negative HBeAg and undetectable viral DNA, and were then observed for clinical relapse and HBsAg loss. Predictors including HBsAg and HBcrAg levels were explored using Cox proportional hazard model and weighted to develop a risk score. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 25.9 months, clinical relapse and HBsAg loss occurred in 66 and eight patients, respectively, with a 5-year cumulative incidence of 56.1% (95% CI 46.7-66.0%) and 8.8% (95% CI 4.3-17.4%), respectively. HBcrAg was an independent relapse predictor, as well as HBsAg, age, ALT and tenofovir use. A score (SCALE-B) was calculated by the equation of 35*HBsAg (log IU/mL) + 20*HBcrAg (log U/mL) + 2*age (year) + ALT (U/L) + 40 for tenofovir use. The concordance rates for clinical relapse were 0.87, 0.88, 0.87, 0.85 and 0.90 at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years, respectively. Moreover, HBsAg loss occurred exclusively in low-risk patients predicted by the score. CONCLUSIONS Serum HBcrAg and HBsAg levels were independent predictors of off-NA relapse and can be factored into a risk score to guide treatment cessation in patients with CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Chun Hsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California
| | - Lein-Ray Mo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tainan Municipal Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Shiang Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzeng-Huey Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Lotung Poh-Ai Hospital, Yilan, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Chang Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hao Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ming Tai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ying Wu
- Faculty of Medicine and Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jaw-Town Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Chi-Yang Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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23
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Xu WX, Zhang Q, Zhu X, Lin CS, Chen YM, Deng H, Mei YY, Zhao ZX, Xie DY, Gao ZL, Xie C, Peng L. 48-Week Outcome after Cessation of Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Treatment in Chronic Hepatitis B Patient and the Associated Factors with Relapse. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 2018:1817680. [PMID: 29862225 PMCID: PMC5971349 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1817680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims We aimed to ascertain the feasibility and safety of NA cessation, the status of patients after cessation, and the predictive factors for relapse and subsequent retreatment. Methods A total of 92 patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients were monitored every month for the first 3 months after cessation and every 3 months thereafter. Results Sixty-two patients finished 48 weeks of follow-up. None died or developed liver failure, cirrhosis, or HCC. The 62 patients could be divided into 4 categories according to the 48-week clinical development of relapse. Virologic relapses occurred in 39 (62.9%) patients, with 72.7% occurring in the first 24 weeks in origin HBeAg positive patients and 82.4% in the first 12 weeks in origin HBeAg negative patients. Age (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02-1.10; p = 0.003), the HBsAg level (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.47-3.32; p < 0.001), and positive origin HBeAg status (OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.14-0.74; p = 0.008) were predictive factors to virologic relapse. HBV DNA level (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.13-1.58; p < 0.001) was predictive factor to retreatment. Conclusions NA cessation is safe under supervision. Age, HBsAg level, and origin HBeAg status can be predictive factors for virologic relapse. The study was submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System with the assigned NCT ID NCT02883647.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-xiong Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Xiang Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Chao-shuang Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - You-ming Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Hong Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Yong-yu Mei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Zhi-xin Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Dong-ying Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Zhi-liang Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Chan Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Liang Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
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24
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Enomoto M, Nishiguchi S, Tamori A, Kozuka R, Fujii H, Uchida-Kobayashi S, Fukunishi S, Tsuda Y, Higuchi K, Saito M, Enomoto H, Kawada N. Sequential therapy involving an early switch from entecavir to pegylated interferon-α in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis B. Hepatol Res 2018; 48:459-468. [PMID: 29314465 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM The optimal combination of two currently available agents with different mechanisms of action, a nucleos(t)ide analog and pegylated interferon-α (PegIFNα), must be determined to improve treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS In this study, 24 patients with CHB (14 hepatitis B envelope antigen [HBeAg]-positive patients and 10 HBeAg-negative patients) received entecavir for 36-52 weeks, followed by entecavir plus Peg-IFNα2a for 4 weeks, and finally by PegIFNα-2a alone for 44 weeks. RESULTS A sustained biochemical, virologic, and serologic response was obtained in 7/24 (29%) patients at 48 weeks post-treatment (2/14 [14%] in HBeAg-positive vs 5/10 [50%] in HBeAg-negative patients, P = 0.085). At baseline, patients with a sustained response had a significantly lower γ-glutamyl transferase level (P = 0.0023), a lower aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (P = 0.049), and a lower α-fetoprotein level (P = 0.042) than those without a sustained response. The decline in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels during the first 24 weeks of PegIFNα-2a treatment in patients with a sustained response was greater than that in patients without (P = 0.017). Additionally, HBsAg seroclearance was achieved in two patients (8.3%): one HBeAg-positive and one HBeAg-negative patient. CONCLUSION The outcomes of sequential therapy involving an early switch from entecavir to PegIFNα-2a were unsatisfactory in Japanese patients with CHB. In addition to viral factors, host metabolic characteristics and liver fibrosis/tumor markers can be used for prediction of a sustained response to therapy, but accurate prediction of the therapeutic response is difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Enomoto
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shuhei Nishiguchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tamori
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ritsuzo Kozuka
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideki Fujii
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Shinya Fukunishi
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Tsuda
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Higuchi
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaki Saito
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Hirayuki Enomoto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Norifumi Kawada
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
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25
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Combinational use of hepatitis B viral antigens predicts responses to nucleos(t)ide analogue/peg-interferon sequential therapy. J Gastroenterol 2018. [PMID: 28634723 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-017-1360-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This prospective cohort study searched for factors associated with a response to nucleos(t)ide analogue/peg-interferon (NUC/peg-IFN) sequential therapy. METHODS A total of 95 patients with chronic hepatitis B being treated with NUCs were enrolled. Immediately following NUC cessation, peg-IFN was administered at 180 µg/dose weekly for 48 weeks. RESULTS Twenty-six patients (27%) were judged to be responders at 48 weeks after the completion of peg-IFN. Analysis of baseline factors revealed that hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) <3.1 log IU/ml and HB core-related antigen (HBcrAg) <3.9 log U/ml were significant indicators of a treatment response. The levels of the markers decreased in both responders and non-responders during peg-IFN therapy but continued falling in responders only after halting peg-IFN. Lower HBsAg (<2.0 log IU/ml) and HBcrAg (<3.8 log U/ml) levels at the time of response judgment were also significantly associated with a favorable response. While lower HBcrAg at baseline was the sole predictor of decreased HBcrAg levels at judgment, lower HBsAg, lower HBcrAg, and the use of adefovir dipivoxil at baseline predicted decreased HBsAg levels at the study endpoint. The use of adefovir dipivoxil was also associated with higher serum IFN-λ3, which might have contributed to the reduction in patient HBsAg levels. CONCLUSIONS The combinational use of HBsAg and HBcrAg levels at baseline and their changes throughout sequential therapy may be useful for predicting a response to NUC/peg-IFN sequential therapy.
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26
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Alidjinou EK, Michel C, Canva V, Ajana F, Hober D, Bocket L. Very slow decline of hepatitis B virus surface antigen and core related antigen in chronic hepatitis B patients successfully treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues. J Med Virol 2018; 90:989-993. [PMID: 29315722 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the decline of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and core related antigen (HBcrAg) in chronic hepatitis B patients sussessfully treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues. In patients with plasma viral suppression, the baseline median levels of HBsAg and HBcrAg were 3.1 and 3.0 log U/mL, respectively. The levels in naïve patients were 4.2 and 3.6 log U/mL for HBsAg and HBcrAg, respectively. No significant decline was observed in patients with viral suppression within a year period. A low reduction was observed during the first months after treatment initiation, especially regarding HBcrAg. The dynamics of these antigens after viral suppression should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enagnon K Alidjinou
- Univ Lille, Faculté de Médecine, CHU Lille, Laboratoire de Virologie EA3610, Lille, France
| | - Charlotte Michel
- Univ Lille, Faculté de Médecine, CHU Lille, Laboratoire de Virologie EA3610, Lille, France
| | - Valérie Canva
- CHU de Lille, Service des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Lille, France
| | - Faïza Ajana
- CH Dron, Service Universitaire des Maladies Infectieuses, Tourcoing, France
| | - Didier Hober
- Univ Lille, Faculté de Médecine, CHU Lille, Laboratoire de Virologie EA3610, Lille, France
| | - Laurence Bocket
- Univ Lille, Faculté de Médecine, CHU Lille, Laboratoire de Virologie EA3610, Lille, France
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27
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Tamaki N, Kurosaki M, Kusakabe A, Orito E, Joko K, Kojima Y, Kimura H, Uchida Y, Hasebe C, Asahina Y, Izumi N. Hepatitis B surface antigen reduction by switching from long-term nucleoside/nucleotide analogue administration to pegylated interferon. J Viral Hepat 2017; 24:672-678. [PMID: 28199034 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) reduction during nucleoside/nucleotide analogue (NA) therapy is slow and an alternative strategy for patients receiving ongoing NA to facilitate HBsAg reduction is required. We investigated whether switching to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) after long-term NA administration enhances HBsAg reduction. Forty-nine patients who switched from long-term NA to 48 weeks of PEG-IFN alfa-2a were studied. The mean duration of previous NA was 48 months (sequential group). A total of 147 patients who continued NA and matched for baseline characteristics were analysed for comparison (NA continuation group). The treatment response was defined as HBsAg reduction ≥1.0 logIU/mL at the end of PEG-IFN. HBsAg reduction at week 48 was 0.81±1.1 logIU/mL in the sequential group, which was significantly higher than that in the NA continuation group (0.11±0.3 logIU/mL, P < .001). The treatment response was achieved in 29% and 2% of the sequential group and NA continuation group (P < .001), and the odds ratio of sequential therapy for the treatment response was 19 compared with the NA continuation (P < .001). In patients tested positive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), HBeAg seroconversion was higher in the sequential group (44% vs 8%, P < .001). In HBeAg-negative patients, only patients in the sequential group achieved HBsAg loss. No patient needed to resume NA administration because of HBV DNA increase accompanied by alanine aminotransferase flares. In summary, sequential therapy with PEG-IFN after long-term NA enhances the reduction of HBsAg and may represent a treatment option to promote HBsAg loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Tamaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Kurosaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - A Kusakabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya Daini Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - E Orito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya Daini Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - K Joko
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Y Kojima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ise Red Cross Hospital, Ise, Japan
| | - H Kimura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daiichi Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Y Uchida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Matsue Red Cross Hospital, Matsue, Japan
| | - C Hasebe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Asahikawa Red Cross Hospital, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Y Asahina
- Department of Hepatitis Control, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - N Izumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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28
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Wong DKH, Seto WK, Cheung KS, Chong CK, Huang FY, Fung J, Lai CL, Yuen MF. Hepatitis B virus core-related antigen as a surrogate marker for covalently closed circular DNA. Liver Int 2017; 37:995-1001. [PMID: 27992681 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is a key to viral persistence in chronic hepatitis B infection. Serum hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) is a novel marker for HBV disease. We aimed to determine whether HBcrAg could be a surrogate marker for intrahepatic cccDNA. METHODS Three hundred and five liver biopsies and the corresponding sera collected from 138 nucleos(t)ide analogues-treated patients were analysed. 124 patients had paired liver biopsies at baseline and 1-year post-treatment, and 43 patients had a third biopsy after 6-12 years of treatment. Serum HBcrAg, HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and intrahepatic HBV DNA and cccDNA were measured. RESULTS HBcrAg strongly correlated with cccDNA (r=.70), intrahepatic total HBV DNA (r=.67) and serum HBV DNA (r=.69; all P<.0001). In the 130 samples with undetectable serum HBV DNA, HBcrAg was detectable in 101 (78%) samples, and HBcrAg levels still correlated positively with cccDNA (r=.42, P<.0001). At ≥6 years of therapy, the median logarithmic reduction in HBcrAg was 2.7 log kU/mL, which was comparable to the magnitude of reduction in cccDNA. Twenty-one patients had undetectable cccDNA after ≥6 years of treatment, in whom 15 (71%) had detectable HBcrAg (range: 1.2-537 kU/mL). CONCLUSIONS Serum HBcrAg is a reliable surrogate marker for intrahepatic cccDNA. HBcrAg could be a very sensitive marker to reflect the cccDNA content and persistence of disease even with the cccDNA levels below the detection limit of assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Ka-Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka-Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun-Kong Chong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fung-Yu Huang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ching-Lung Lai
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Matsumoto A. Hepatitis B core-related antigen: a strong indicator for cessation of nucleos(t)ide analog therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B. J Gastroenterol 2017; 52:127-128. [PMID: 27665100 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-016-1259-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Matsumoto
- Department of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto, 390-8621, Japan.
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Hara Y, Tokodai K, Nakanishi C, Miyagi S, Kawagishi N. Spontaneous resolution of de novo hepatitis B after living donor liver transplantation with hepatitis B core antibody positive graft: a case report. Surg Case Rep 2016; 2:118. [PMID: 27797067 PMCID: PMC5083705 DOI: 10.1186/s40792-016-0246-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)-positive graft is reported to cause de novo hepatitis B after liver transplantation with a probability of 38–100 % without prophylaxis. Hepatitis B surface antigen loss is reported to be achieved with a probability of only 3–8 % in the patients treated by antiviral agents. We present an extremely rare case of spontaneous resolution of de novo hepatitis B after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with HBcAb-positive graft. Case presentation An 8-year-old female patient underwent LDLT for end-stage biliary atresia using an HBcAb-positive left lobe graft. After transplantation, she did not receive any prophylactic agents for hepatitis B. Two years after LDLT, she was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B. Six years after LDLT, liver fibrosis and hepatitis activity were advanced and lamivudine was started. Two years after lamivudine administration, emergence of a lamivudine-resistant YMDD mutant was detected and adefovir dipivoxil was combined with lamivudine. Hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV-DNA) became undetectable soon after the addition of adefovir dipivoxil. Twelve years after transplantation, acute rejection occurred and steroid pulse therapy was performed, but hepatitis B did not become severe and HBV-DNA continued to be undetectable. Fifteen years after LDLT, she voluntarily discontinued medication of all drugs, including immunosuppressive agents and antiviral drugs for 1 year because of mental instability. After an interval of 1 year, liver function was normal and her serological HBV status was as follows: HBsAg(−), HBsAb(+), HBeAb(−), HBeAb(+), HBcAb(+) and HBV-DNA(−). From these results, we diagnosed her condition as spontaneous clearance of de novo hepatitis B. The patient is free of antiviral therapies and continues to take a low dose of immunosuppressive drugs and is leading a normal life. Conclusions In this case, HBsAg loss is finally achieved but we need to follow carefully for HBV reactivation with the fibrosis of the graft in mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Hara
- The Division of Advanced Surgical Science and Technology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Kazuaki Tokodai
- The Division of Advanced Surgical Science and Technology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Chikashi Nakanishi
- The Division of Advanced Surgical Science and Technology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Shigehito Miyagi
- The Division of Advanced Surgical Science and Technology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Naoki Kawagishi
- The Division of Advanced Surgical Science and Technology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
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31
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Jung KS, Park JY, Chon YE, Kim HS, Kang W, Kim BK, Kim SU, Kim DY, Han KH, Ahn SH. Clinical outcomes and predictors for relapse after cessation of oral antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients. J Gastroenterol 2016; 51:830-9. [PMID: 26687058 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-015-1153-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about stopping rules of nucelos(t)ide analog (NA) treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS A total of 113 consecutive patients with CHB (45 HBeAg-positive and 68 HBeAg-negative CHB patients), who met the cessation criteria of NA treatment as per the Asian-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) guideline, were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The primary endpoint was to evaluate virological relapse (VR) rate within 1 year, which was defined as reappearance of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA > 2000 IU/mL after cessation of NA treatment. In this cohort, entecavir was used in 81 (71.7 %) and lamivudine in 32 (28.3 %) patients. RESULTS Within 1 year after NA treatment, VR occurred in 26 (57.8 %) HBeAg-positive patients and in 37 (54.4 %) HBeAg-negative patients. In univariate and subsequent multivariate analysis, age > 40 years [odds ratio (OR) 10.959; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.211-54.320; P = 0.003) and a pre-treatment HBV DNA level >2000,000 IU/mL (OR 9.285; 95 % CI 1.545-55.795; P = 0.036) were identified as independent risk factors for VR in HBeAg-positive patients, and age > 40 years (OR 6.690; 95 % CI 1.314-34.057; P = 0.022) and an end-of-treatment HBcrAg level >3.7 log IU/mL (OR 3.751; 95 % CI 1.187-11.856; P = 0.024) were identified in HBeAg-negative patients. During follow up, neither hepatic decompensation nor hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurred, and HBV DNA suppression was achieved in all patients who received antiviral re-treatment. CONCLUSION Our data suggested that the APASL stopping rule could be applied if a candidate was properly selected using individual risk factors. However, regular monitoring should be performed after cessation of NA treatment and long-term outcomes need to be evaluated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Sik Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Eun Chon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Hyon-Suk Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wonseok Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Beom Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Up Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Project of Medical Science, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea.
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea.
- Brain Korea 21 Project of Medical Science, Seoul, Korea.
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Matsumoto A, Yatsuhashi H, Nagaoka S, Suzuki Y, Hosaka T, Tsuge M, Chayama K, Kanda T, Yokosuka O, Nishiguchi S, Saito M, Miyase S, Kang JH, Shinkai N, Tanaka Y, Umemura T, Tanaka E. Factors associated with the effect of interferon-α sequential therapy in order to discontinue nucleoside/nucleotide analog treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Hepatol Res 2015; 45:1195-202. [PMID: 25594111 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Revised: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM The factors associated with the outcome of sequential therapy with interferon-α (IFN-α) in order to halt nucleoside/nucleotide analog (NUC) maintenance treatment for chronic hepatitis B were analyzed. METHODS A total of 50 patients with chronic hepatitis B who underwent IFN-α sequential therapy for cessation of NUC were enrolled retrospectively. The subjects received NUC plus IFN-α for 4 weeks followed by IFN-α alone for 20 weeks. Natural IFN-α of 6-MU doses was administrated three times a week. A successful response to NUC/IFN-α sequential therapy was defined as serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA below 4.0 log copies/mL, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) below 30 IU/L, and hepatitis B e-antigen negativity at 24 months after completing the treatment. RESULTS Multivariate analysis revealed that hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) of 3.0 log U/mL or more (P < 0.002) and hepatitis B core-related antigen (hepatitis B core-related antigen [HBcrAg]) of 4.5 log U/mL or more (P < 0.003) at the start of IFN-α administration were significant factors associated with a 24-month non-response. Maximal levels of ALT and HBV DNA during the follow-up period after completing IFN-α therapy were significantly related (P < 0.001), and receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that both maximal ALT (P < 0.001) and HBV DNA (P < 0.001) were significantly related to the final 24-month response. CONCLUSION The combinational use of HBsAg and HBcrAg levels may be useful to predict the 24-month outcome of NUC/IFN-α sequential therapy. Maximal levels of ALT and HBV DNA during post-treatment follow-up may also help monitor responses to IFN-α sequential therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Matsumoto
- Department of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto
| | - Hiroshi Yatsuhashi
- The Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura
| | - Shinya Nagaoka
- The Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura
| | | | | | - Masataka Tsuge
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima
| | - Tatsuo Kanda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba
| | - Osamu Yokosuka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba
| | - Shuhei Nishiguchi
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya
| | - Masaki Saito
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya
| | - Shiho Miyase
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kumamoto Shinto General Hospital, Kumamoto
| | - Jong-Hon Kang
- Center for Gastroenterology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Sapporo
| | - Noboru Shinkai
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takeji Umemura
- Department of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto
| | - Eiji Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto
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Enomoto M, Nishiguchi S, Tamori A, Kozuka R, Hayashi T, Kohmoto MT, Jomura H, Morikawa H, Murakami Y, Shiomi S, Kawada N. Long-Term Outcome of Sequential Therapy with Lamivudine Followed by Interferon-β in Nucleoside-Naive, Hepatitis B e-Antigen-Positive Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Genotype C Infection. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2015; 35:613-20. [PMID: 25884105 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2014.0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is unclear whether the combination of a nucleos(t)ide analog and interferon (IFN) is superior to monotherapy for treating chronic hepatitis B. In this study, we report the long-term outcomes of sequential therapy using lamivudine followed by IFN-β. This study included 24 hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C infection who were treated with lamivudine alone for 16-32 weeks, then with both IFN-β and lamivudine for 4 weeks, and finally with IFN-β alone for 20 weeks. All patients were followed up for 7.1±2.8 years post-treatment. The rate of response, defined as transaminase normalization, HBeAg loss, and HBV DNA <10(4) copies/mL, was 5/24 (21%) at 24 weeks post-treatment. The patients with short-term responses were younger than those with no response (P=0.039). More short-term responders had undetectable HBV DNA at the start of IFN-β compared with the nonresponders (P=0.0059). Subsequently, 4 of the 5 short-term responders remained free of the need for further drug treatment for 4.2±3.5 years post-treatment; more short-term responders remained drug free than did nonresponders (P=0.035). In conclusion, the rate of response to sequential therapy was limited in HBeAg-positive patients with chronic HBV genotype C infection at 24 weeks post-treatment. In the majority of the short-term responders, however, the response was sustainable in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Enomoto
- 1 Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School , Osaka, Japan
| | - Shuhei Nishiguchi
- 2 Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine , Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tamori
- 1 Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School , Osaka, Japan
| | - Ritsuzo Kozuka
- 1 Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School , Osaka, Japan
| | - Takehiro Hayashi
- 1 Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School , Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Hisato Jomura
- 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Wakakoukai Clinic , Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Morikawa
- 1 Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School , Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Murakami
- 1 Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School , Osaka, Japan
| | - Susumu Shiomi
- 4 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School , Osaka, Japan
| | - Norifumi Kawada
- 1 Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Medical School , Osaka, Japan
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Wong GLH, Wong VWS, Chan HLY. Combination therapy of interferon and nucleotide/nucleoside analogues for chronic hepatitis B. J Viral Hepat 2014; 21:825-34. [PMID: 25402543 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma globally. At present, seven drugs, including two interferons and five oral nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs), have been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Interferon works by immunomodulation, but is successful in less than a third of treated patients and is a relatively weak antiviral. NAs directly suppress the hepatitis B virus but have limited durability. Based on current data, combination of NA and interferon results in greater viral suppression but does not translate to off-treatment sustained response. Concomitant or sequential treatment also does not make a difference. Combining telbivudine and interferon also runs the risk of severe peripheral neuropathy. On the other hand, interferon switch or additional therapy in patients well controlled with NAs appears to improve the durability of off-treatment response. This article reviews current data on interferon and NA combination and discusses potential future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- G L-H Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Harigai M, Mochida S, Mimura T, Koike T, Miyasaka N. A proposal for management of rheumatic disease patients with hepatitis B virus infection receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Mod Rheumatol 2014; 24:1-7. [PMID: 24261752 DOI: 10.3109/14397595.2013.852834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and de novo HBV hepatitis in patients with rheumatic diseases given intensive and long-term immunosuppressive therapy with or without biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs is of great concern, especially in regions where the virus is endemic, including Japan. To ascertain a better benefit-risk balance for immunosuppressive therapy for patients with rheumatic diseases, the Japan College of Rheumatology developed this proposal. All patients with rheumatic diseases commencing immunosuppressive therapy should be screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); those who are negative for HBsAg should be screened for hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) and hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) as well. HBV carriers and serum HBV DNA positive patients with resolved infection should receive nucleoside analog as soon as possible, prior to commencing immunosuppressive therapy. For serum HBV DNA negative patients with resolved infection, careful monthly monitoring using serum levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and HBV DNA is recommended during and at least 12 months after withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy. If serum HBV DNA becomes positive, patients should receive nucleoside analog treatment as soon as possible, while ongoing immunosuppressive therapy should be continued to avoid severe or fulminant hepatitis development. To facilitate proper management of patients with HBV infection, collaboration between rheumatologists and hepatologists is strongly encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayoshi Harigai
- Department of Pharmacovigilance, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519 , Japan
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Hadziyannis SJ, Vassilopoulos D, Sevastianos V, Hadziyannis E. Can Nucleos(t)ide Analogue (NA) Therapy Ever be Stopped in HBeAg-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11901-014-0236-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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37
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Kawanaka M, Nishino K, Nakamura J, Oka T, Urata N, Goto D, Suehiro M, Kawamoto H, Kudo M, Yamada G. Quantitative Levels of Hepatitis B Virus DNA and Surface Antigen and the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Hepatitis B Receiving Long-Term Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Therapy. Liver Cancer 2014; 3:41-52. [PMID: 24804176 PMCID: PMC3995398 DOI: 10.1159/000343857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA are an important predictor of the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic HBV infection. However, little is known about whether high levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) increase the risk for HCC. METHODS We investigated 167 patients who were treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) for at least 2 years (median: 5.8 years, range: 2-13.1 years). Relationships between reduced levels of HBsAg and various factors were evaluated. In addition, we evaluated the usefulness of quantitative serum levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg as predictors of HCC development in patients receiving long-term NA therapy. RESULTS HCC developed in 9 of the 167 NA-treated patients. In the 9 patients with HCC, HBV DNA was undetectable (<2.1 log copies/mL), but HBsAg levels were ≥2000 C.O.I. in 7 patients. No maternal transmission, long NA treatment period, HBV DNA levels <3.0 log copies/mL, and reduced hepatitis B e antigen levels during the first 24 weeks of treatment were a significant factor of HBsAg levels <2000 C.O.I.. CONCLUSIONS Hepatocarcinogenesis was observed in patients with high HBsAg levels, despite the negative conversion of HBV DNA as a result of long-term NA therapy. Therefore, to suppress hepatocarcinogenesis, it is important to control not only HBV DNA levels but also HBsAg levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwa Kawanaka
- Department of General Internal Medicine 2, Kawasaki Hospital, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ken Nishino
- Department of General Internal Medicine 2, Kawasaki Hospital, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Jun Nakamura
- Department of General Internal Medicine 2, Kawasaki Hospital, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takahito Oka
- Department of General Internal Medicine 2, Kawasaki Hospital, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Noriyo Urata
- Department of General Internal Medicine 2, Kawasaki Hospital, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Daisuke Goto
- Department of General Internal Medicine 2, Kawasaki Hospital, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiko Suehiro
- Department of General Internal Medicine 2, Kawasaki Hospital, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kawamoto
- Department of General Internal Medicine 2, Kawasaki Hospital, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Gotaro Yamada
- Department of General Internal Medicine 2, Kawasaki Hospital, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
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39
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Tanaka E, Matsumoto A. Guidelines for avoiding risks resulting from discontinuation of nucleoside/nucleotide analogs in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Hepatol Res 2014; 44:1-8. [PMID: 23607862 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2013] [Revised: 03/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NUC) can lead to rapid reduction in hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels in blood and normalization of alanine aminotransferase levels in many patients. They also provide histological improvement which results in a reduction in liver carcinogenesis. However, it is difficult to completely remove viruses even by NUC and there are some problems such as emergence of resistant strains and hepatitis relapse resulting from discontinuation of treatment. One of the reasons for this is that NUC reduce the HBV DNA level in blood but have almost no effects on the HBV cccDNA level in hepatocyte nuclei, which are the origins of HBV replication, and HBV cccDNA remains for a long period. For treatment with NUC in patients with hepatitis B, it is considered that NUC should not be easily discontinued because discontinuation often results in hepatitis relapse. However, it has not been clearly revealed when and how hepatitis relapses after discontinuation. Although some patients do not experience hepatitis relapse after discontinuation of NUC, or experience only mild relapse and finally achieve a stable condition, it has not been established how to identify such patients efficiently. We performed research to investigate characteristics of the course after discontinuation of treatment and definition of hepatitis relapse and estimate the relapse rate. "Guidelines for avoiding risks resulting from discontinuation of NUCs 2012" is summarized based on the study results. Because the guidelines are written in Japanese, we explain them in English as a review article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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40
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Tsuge M, Murakami E, Imamura M, Abe H, Miki D, Hiraga N, Takahashi S, Ochi H, Nelson Hayes C, Ginba H, Matsuyama K, Kawakami H, Chayama K. Serum HBV RNA and HBeAg are useful markers for the safe discontinuation of nucleotide analogue treatments in chronic hepatitis B patients. J Gastroenterol 2013; 48:1188-204. [PMID: 23397114 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-012-0737-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment for chronic hepatitis B has improved drastically with the use of nucleot(s)ide analogues (NAs). However, NA therapy typically fails to eliminate Hepatitis B virus (HBV) completely, and it is difficult to discontinue these therapies. We previously demonstrated that NA therapy induced immature viral particles, including HBV RNA in sera of chronic hepatitis B patients. In the study reported here, we analyzed the association between HBV RNA titer and the recurrence rate of hepatitis after discontinuation of NA therapy. METHODS The study cohort comprised 36 patients who had discontinued NA therapy. Serum HBV DNA or DNA plus RNA levels were measured by real time PCR and statistical analyses were performed using clinical data and HBV markers. RESULTS At 24 weeks after discontinuation of NA therapy, HBV DNA rebound was observed in 19 of the 36 patients (52.8 %), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) rebound was observed in 12 of 36 patients (33.3 %). Multivariate statistical analysis was used to identify factors predictive of HBV DNA rebound. The HBV DNA + RNA titer following 3 months of treatment was significantly associated with HBV DNA rebound [P = 0.043, odds ratio (OR) 9.474, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.069-83.957)]. Absence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) at the end of treatment was significantly associated with ALT rebound (P = 0.003, OR 13.500, 95 % CI 2.473-73.705). In HBeAg-positive patients, the HBV DNA + RNA titer after 3 months of treatment was marginally associated with ALT rebound (P = 0.050, OR 8.032, 95 % CI 0.997-64.683). CONCLUSIONS Monitoring of serum HBV DNA + RNA levels may be a useful method for predicting re-activation of chronic hepatitis B after discontinuation of NA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Tsuge
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Hagiwara S, Kudo M, Osaki Y, Matsuo H, Inuzuka T, Matsumoto A, Tanaka E, Sakurai T, Ueshima K, Inoue T, Yada N, Nishida N. Impact of peginterferon alpha-2b and entecavir hydrate combination therapy on persistent viral suppression in patients with chronic hepatitis B. J Med Virol 2013; 85:987-95. [PMID: 23588724 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.23564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The ideal approach to treat chronic hepatitis B remains controversial. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of peginterferon (PEG-IFN) α-2b and entecavir hydrate (ETV) as a combination therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B, particularly in the context of virological response and the reduction of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). A total of 17 patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C were enrolled in this study. All subjects were treated with this combination therapy for 48 weeks and observed for an additional 24 weeks. All patients underwent liver biopsy before and after the therapy period. Changes in cccDNA levels and liver histology were monitored between biopsies. Among the 11 patients who exhibited pre-therapy hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), 8 (73%) showed evidence of HBeAg seroconversion by the end of the follow-up period. Serum HBV DNA levels decreased by 5.2 and 3.3 log copies/ml (mean) by the end of the therapy and follow-up periods, respectively. In addition, intrahepatic cccDNA decreased significantly to 1.4 log copies/µg (mean) by the end of the therapy period. Among the 11 patients who did not experience viral relapse, only 2 (18%) exhibited high levels of cccDNA (>4.5 log copies/µg) by the end of the treatment period. In contrast, all relapsed subjects exhibited significantly higher levels of cccDNA than subjects who did not relapse (P = 0.027). The combination regimen is a promising approach to treat chronic hepatitis B and may achieve significant reduction in serum HBV DNA and intrahepatic cccDNA. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Hagiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
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Enomoto M, Tamori A, Nishiguchi S, Kawada N. Combination therapy with a nucleos(t)ide analogue and interferon for chronic hepatitis B: simultaneous or sequential. J Gastroenterol 2013; 48:999-1005. [PMID: 23338486 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-012-0742-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Currently available antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus infection can be divided into two classes of therapeutic agents: nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) and interferon (IFN). The major advantages of NAs are good tolerance and potent antiviral activity associated with high rates of on-treatment response to therapy; the advantages of IFN include a finite course of treatment, absence of drug resistance, and an opportunity to obtain a post-treatment durable response to therapy. The use of these two antiviral agents with different mechanisms of action in combination is theoretically an attractive approach for treatment. Here, we have reviewed previous reports of either simultaneous or sequential combination therapy with NA and IFN for chronic hepatitis B patients. In previous studies comparing the lamivudine/IFN combination and lamivudine monotherapy in a finite course, combination therapy was associated with higher rates of sustained post-treatment response and lower rates of drug resistance than lamivudine monotherapy. However, NAs such as lamivudine are generally administered indefinitely because of high rates of post-treatment relapse. In addition, concern for drug resistance has decreased significantly with newer, high-potency NAs even when administered alone. In previous studies comparing the lamivudine/IFN combination and IFN monotherapy, the combination therapy showed greater on-treatment viral suppression, but no difference was observed in the post-treatment sustained response. Thus, whether combination therapy confers an additional benefit compared to monotherapy for treating chronic hepatitis B remains unclear. The efficacy of IFN in combination with a more potent NA, such as entecavir or tenofovir, remains to be comprehensively evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Enomoto
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3 Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan,
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Kim SS, Lee D, Lee MH, Cheong JY, Cho SW. Association of on-treatment serum hepatitis B surface antigen level with sustained virological response to nucleos(t)ide analog in patients with hepatitis B e-antigen positive chronic hepatitis B. Hepatol Res 2013; 43:219-27. [PMID: 22835015 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2012.01065.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study evaluated the on-treatment serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level during nucleos(t)ide analog (NUC) therapy and the correlation with off-treatment sustained virological response (SVR). METHODS Fifty-one consecutive patients with hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) positive chronic hepatitis B who achieved HBeAg loss/seroconversion after NUC therapy and completed 12 months or more of additional therapy were included. Serum HBsAg and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels were determined at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, and at the end of treatment. SVR was defined as HBV DNA levels of less than 10 000 copies/mL until 6 or 12 months off-treatment without reappearance of HBeAg. RESULTS Twenty-two (43.1%) and 13 (25.5%) patients maintained SVR at 6 and 12 months off-treatment, respectively. In univariate analyses, a decline of HBsAg of 0.5 log(10) IU/mL or less at 6 months (P = 0.006) and 12 months (P = 0.013), the mean change in HBsAg level at 6 months (P = 0.024), and lamivudine or entecavir treatment (P = 0.019) were significant predictive factors for SVR at 6 months off-treatment. A decline of HBsAg of 0.5 log(10) IU/mL or less at 6 months and lamivudine or entecavir treatment were independent factors on multivariate analyses (odds ratio [OR], 16.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.86-142.86 [P = 0.012]; and OR, 14.83; 95% CI, 1.18-185.73 [P = 0.036]; respectively). CONCLUSION On-treatment serum HBsAg level predicted early off-treatment SVR to NUC therapy in patients infected with genotype C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon Sun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
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Entecavir and interferon-α sequential therapy in Japanese patients with hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B. J Gastroenterol 2013; 48:397-404. [PMID: 22850869 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-012-0645-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outcomes of sequential therapy with lamivudine followed by interferon have been unsatisfactory in Japanese patients with hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B. However, the efficacy of sequential therapy with entecavir and interferon remains unclear. METHODS Twenty-four HBeAg-positive patients (23 men and 1 woman; mean age 39 ± 7 years) received entecavir 0.5 mg alone for 36-52 weeks, followed by entecavir plus interferon-α for 4 weeks, and lastly by interferon-α alone for 20 weeks. Twenty-three patients had genotype C infection, and one had genotype A infection. RESULTS No entecavir-resistant mutant variants emerged in any patient. Hepatitis flare occurred in three patients during interferon-α treatment after the withdrawal of entecavir, but none had hepatic decompensation. Serum hepatitis B surface antigen levels did not change during or after therapy. Serum hepatitis B core-related antigen levels were significantly decreased at the start (P < 0.0001) and at the end of interferon-α treatment (P < 0.0001), but returned to baseline levels after treatment. Twenty-four weeks after the completion of the sequential therapy, a sustained biochemical, virological, and serological response was achieved in 5 (21 %) patients. The proportion of patients in whom HBeAg was lost during entecavir treatment was significantly higher among those with a sustained response than among those with no response (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS The rate of response to sequential therapy with entecavir and interferon-α in Japanese patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B was not higher than the rate in previous studies of lamivudine followed by interferon.
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Asahina Y, Izumi N, Oketani M, Kumada H, Kurosaki M, Koike K, Suzuki F, Takikawa H, Tanaka A, Tanaka E, Tanaka Y, Tsubouchi H, Hayashi N, Hiramatsu N, Yotsuyanagi H. Guidelines for the management of hepatitis B virus infection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.2957/kanzo.54.402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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A proposal for management of rheumatic disease patients with hepatitis B virus infection receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Mod Rheumatol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10165-012-0810-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Ikeda M. Reactivation of hepatitis B virus in patients receiving chemotherapy. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2012. [PMID: 23183929 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hys191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients undergoing chemotherapy for the treatment of malignant disease, the reactivation of hepatitis B virus in hepatitis B surface antigen-positive patients has been frequently reported. However, activation has also been reported in hepatitis B surface antigen-negative patients who test positive for hepatitis B core antibody and/or hepatitis B surface antibody, who were thought to have had transient infections and to have been cured. Reactivation has often been reported in patients receiving rituximab-containing regimens and has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. In Japan, 1-3% of patients undergoing chemotherapy are hepatitis B surface antigen-positive, and ≈ 20-25% of patients are hepatitis B surface antigen-negative with hepatitis B core antibody and/or hepatitis B surface antibody positivity; therefore, about one out of every four patients undergoing chemotherapy may be at risk for the reactivation of hepatitis B virus. In most of the guidelines for hepatitis B virus reactivation, the prophylactic administration of an antiviral drug in hepatitis B surface antigen-positive patients is recommended, and periodic monitoring of hepatitis B virus DNA and the deferred pre-emptive administration of an antiviral drug after conversion to hepatitis B virus DNA positivity are recommended in hepatitis B surface antigen-negative patients who are hepatitis B core antibody-positive and/or hepatitis B surface antibody-positive when chemotherapy has been scheduled. However, numerous issues regarding hepatitis B virus reactivation, including the frequency, the types of anticancer drugs, the cancers that facilitate hepatitis B virus reactivation and the optimal method of management, etc., have not been fully clarified. A variety of well-designed prospective studies are currently under way in both Japan and abroad, and strong evidence of hepatitis B virus reactivation following chemotherapy is anticipated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Ikeda
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, 277-8577, Japan.
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Changes in the serum level of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen over the natural course of HBV infection. J Gastroenterol 2012; 47:1006-13. [PMID: 22370816 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-012-0559-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite its status as a potential biomarker of hepatitis B virus (HBV) response to interferon treatment, the changes in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels over the natural course of HBV carriers have not been analyzed sufficiently. METHODS A total of 101 HBV carriers were followed prospectively from 1999 to 2009. HBsAg level was measured yearly during the followed period. RESULTS HBsAg levels at baseline ranged from -1.4 to 5.32 log IU/ml, with a median value of 3.2 log IU/ml. Lower HBsAg levels were significantly associated with higher age and lower HBV replication status. The rate of change of HBsAg levels showed two peaks, with a cut-off value of -0.4 log IU/year. Based on this, patients were tentatively classified into rapid decrease (rate of change <-0.4 log IU/year) and non-rapid decrease groups. All baseline levels of HBsAg, HB core-related Ag, and HBV DNA were lower in the rapid decrease group than in the non-rapid decrease group. Patients with persistently positive HBeAg were all classified into the non-rapid decrease group. In patients with persistently negative HBeAg, HBV DNA levels were significantly (P = 0.028) lower in the rapid decrease group than in the non-rapid decrease group. CONCLUSIONS Lower baseline HBsAg levels were significantly associated with older age and lower viral activity. Both a loss of HBeAg detection as well as inactive replication of HBV are suggested to be fundamental factors contributing to a rapid decrease in HBsAg over the natural course of HBV infection.
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Kozuka R, Enomoto M, Morikawa H, Tamori A, Kawada N. Anti-hepatitis B virus therapy: To stop, or not to stop: Has the question been solved? Hepatol Res 2012; 42:946-7. [PMID: 22882339 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2012.01001.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ritsuzo Kozuka
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Tanaka E, Matsumoto A, Suzuki Y, Kobayashi M, Tanaka Y, Shinkai N, Hige S, Yatsuhashi H, Nagaoka S, Chayama K, Tsuge M, Yokosuka O, Imazeki F, Nishiguchi S, Saito M, Fujiwara K, Torii N, Hiramatsu N, Karino Y. Guidelines for avoiding risks resulting from discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogues in patients with chronic hepatitis B (2012). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.2957/kanzo.53.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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