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Choi WM, Yip TCF, Wong GLH, Kim WR, Yee LJ, Brooks-Rooney C, Curteis T, Clark LJ, Jafry Z, Chen CH, Chen CY, Huang YH, Jin YJ, Jun DW, Kim JW, Park NH, Peng CY, Shin HP, Shin JW, Yang YH, Lim YS. Baseline Viral Load and On-treatment Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Multinational Cohort Study. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:S1542-3565(24)00763-8. [PMID: 39181430 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk persists in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) despite antiviral therapy. The relationship between pre-treatment baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV) viral load and HCC risk during antiviral treatment remains uncertain. METHODS This multinational cohort study aimed to investigate the association between baseline HBV viral load and on-treatment HCC risk in 20,826 noncirrhotic, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and HBeAg-negative patients with baseline HBV DNA levels ≥2000 IU/mL (3.30 log10 IU/mL) who initiated entecavir or tenofovir treatment. The primary outcome was on-treatment HCC incidence, stratified by baseline HBV viral load as a categorical variable. RESULTS In total, 663 patients developed HCC over a median follow-up of 4.1 years, with an incidence rate of 0.81 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.87). Baseline HBV viral load was significantly associated with HCC risk in a non-linear parabolic pattern, independent of other factors. Patients with baseline viral load between 6.00 and 7.00 log10 IU/mL had the highest on-treatment HCC risk (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.28; 95% CI, 2.15-8.52; P < .0001) compared with those with baseline viral load ≥8.00 log10 IU/mL, who exhibited the lowest HCC risk. CONCLUSION Baseline viral load showed a significant, non-linear, parabolic association with HCC risk during antiviral treatment in noncirrhotic patients with CHB. Early initiation of antiviral treatment based on HBV viral load may help prevent irreversible HCC risk accumulation in patients with CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Mook Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Terry Cheuk-Fung Yip
- CUHK Medical Data Analytics Centre, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Grace Lai-Hung Wong
- CUHK Medical Data Analytics Centre, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - W Ray Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | | | | | - Laura J Clark
- Costello Medical Consulting Ltd, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yi Chen
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Young-Joo Jin
- Digestive Disease Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Dae Won Jun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Wook Kim
- Department of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Neung Hwa Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hyun Phil Shin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Woo Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yao-Hsu Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan; Health Information and Epidemiology Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Choi WM, Yip TCF, Kim WR, Yee LJ, Brooks-Rooney C, Curteis T, Clark LJ, Jafry Z, Chen CH, Chen CY, Huang YH, Jin YJ, Jun DW, Kim JW, Park NH, Peng CY, Shin HP, Shin JW, Yang YH, Wong GLH, Lim YS. Chronic hepatitis B baseline viral load and on-treatment liver cancer risk: A multinational cohort study of HBeAg-positive patients. Hepatology 2024; 80:428-439. [PMID: 38436992 PMCID: PMC11251501 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS A single-nation study reported that pretreatment HBV viral load is associated with on-treatment risk of HCC in patients who are HBeAg-positive without cirrhosis and with chronic hepatitis B initiating antiviral treatment. We aimed to validate the association between baseline HBV viral load and on-treatment HCC risk in a larger, multinational cohort. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using a multinational cohort from Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan involving 7545 adult patients with HBeAg-positive, without cirrhosis and with chronic hepatitis B who started entecavir or tenofovir treatment with baseline HBV viral load ≥5.00 log 10 IU/mL, HCC risk was estimated by baseline viral load. HBV viral load was analyzed as a categorical variable. During continuous antiviral treatment (median, 4.28 y), HCC developed in 200 patients (incidence rate, 0.61 per 100 person-years). Baseline HBV DNA level was independently associated with on-treatment HCC risk in a nonlinear pattern. HCC risk was lowest with the highest baseline viral load (≥8.00 log 10 IU/mL; incidence rate, 0.10 per 100 person-years), but increased sharply as baseline viral load decreased. The adjusted HCC risk was 8.05 times higher (95% CI, 3.34-19.35) with baseline viral load ≥6.00 and <7.00 log 10 IU/mL (incidence rate, 1.38 per 100 person-years) compared with high (≥8.00 log 10 IU/mL) baseline viral load ( p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS In a multinational cohort of adult patients with HBeAg-positive without cirrhosis and with chronic hepatitis B, baseline HBV viral load was significantly associated with HCC risk despite antiviral treatment. Patients with the highest viral load who initiated treatment had the lowest long-term risk of HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Mook Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Terry Cheuk-Fung Yip
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - W. Ray Kim
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Zarena Jafry
- Costello Medical Inc, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yi Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Young-Joo Jin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Digestive Disease Center, Inha University Hospital, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Dae Won Jun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin-Wook Kim
- Department of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Neung Hwa Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Korea
- Biomedical Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Digestive Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hyun Phil Shin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Woo Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Yao-Hsu Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Health Information and Epidemiology Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Grace Lai-Hung Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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3
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Duan M, Xiao H, Shi M, Xie Y, Zhao P, Li S, Chi X, Liu X, Zhuang H. Significant liver histological change is common in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B with normal ALT. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:723. [PMID: 39044129 PMCID: PMC11264461 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09617-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Numerous HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with persistently normal ALT have significant liver histopathology. It is imperative to identify true "immune tolerant" patients. We aimed to evaluate the liver histopathology features of HBeAg-positive CHB patients with normal ALT and the incidence of liver cirrhosis and HCC in CHB patients during follow-up. METHODS 179 HBeAg-positive CHB patients with normal ALT who performed liver biopsy from 2009 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Liver necroinflammation ≥ G2 and/or liver fibrosis ≥ S2 was defined as significant liver histopathological change. RESULTS 57.5% patients were in the indeterminate phase with significant liver histological changes. The proportion of the patients with evident liver necroinflammation was higher in the high-normal ALT group (21-40U/L) when compared with the low-normal ALT group (≤ 20 U/L) (51.3% vs. 30.0%, p < 0.05), and patients aged ≥ 40 years had a higher proportion of significant fibrosis than those aged < 40 years (64.5% vs. 39.9%, p < 0.05). The percentages of patients with ≥ S2 and ≥ G2/S2 in the HBV DNA < 107 IU/mL group were higher than those in the HBV DNA ≥ 107 IU/mL group (72.7% vs. 40.1%, p < 0.01; 81.8% vs. 54.1%, p < 0.05). During follow-up, two of immune tolerant patients and four of indeterminate patients developed into cirrhosis, and one of immune tolerant patients and one of indeterminate patients developed into HCC, respectively. CONCLUSIONS HBeAg-positive CHB patients with high-normal ALT or HBV DNA < 107 IU/mL were tend to be indeterminate. Liver biopsy or noninvasive approaches are recommended to evaluate liver histopathology, and antiviral therapy is recommended for patients with significant liver histopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghui Duan
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- The Clinical Laboratory of Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Huanming Xiao
- Hepatology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, China
| | - Meijie Shi
- Hepatology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, China
| | - Yubao Xie
- Hepatology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, China
| | - Pengtao Zhao
- Hepatology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Hepatology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, China
| | - Xiaoling Chi
- Hepatology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, China.
| | - Xueen Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Hui Zhuang
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Zhang M, Kong Y, Xu X, Sun Y, Jia J, You H. "Treat-all" Strategy for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in China: Are We There Yet? J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:589-593. [PMID: 38974957 PMCID: PMC11224901 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2024.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B remains the primary cause of liver-related events in China. The World Health Organization set a goal to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. However, achieving this goal appears challenging due to the current low rates of diagnosis and treatment. The "Treat-all" strategy, which proposes treating all patients with detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA or even all patients with positive HBsAg, has been suggested to simplify anti-HBV treatment. In 2022, the Chinese Society of Hepatology and the Chinese Society of Infectious Diseases updated the guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B in China, expanding antiviral indications and simplifying the treatment algorithm. According to this latest guideline, nearly 95% of patients with detectable HBV DNA are eligible for antiviral treatment. This review aimed to provide a detailed interpretation of the treatment indications outlined in the Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B (version 2022) and to identify gaps in achieving the "Treat-all" strategy in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyang Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Kong
- Clinical Epidemiology and EBM Unit, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqian Xu
- Clinical Epidemiology and EBM Unit, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yameng Sun
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing, China
| | - Jidong Jia
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing, China
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing, China
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5
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Lim YS. Treatment decisions based on HBV DNA. J Viral Hepat 2024. [PMID: 38785204 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide is chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (CHB). Long-term suppression of HBV replication by antiviral treatment reduces the risk of HCC and mortality. Nonetheless, only 2.2% of CHB patients globally received the treatment in 2019. Current international CHB guidelines recommend antiviral treatment only in subsets of patients with clear evidence of liver damage as evidenced by elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT). This review aims to provide existing evidence that the risk of HCC is significantly associated with serum levels of HBV DNA, and the association is non-linear parabolic, in both untreated and treated CHB patients, regardless of HBeAg status or ALT levels. Therefore, the decision for the antiviral treatment should be based on serum HBV DNA levels and age, rather than ALT levels or liver biopsy, to reduce or prevent the risk of HCC in CHB patients. The potential impact and cost-effectiveness data on early antiviral treatment initiation were also collated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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6
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Choi WM, Kim GA, Choi J, Choi GH, Lee YB, Sinn DH, Lim YS. Non-linear association of baseline viral load with on-treatment hepatocellular carcinoma risk in chronic hepatitis B. Gut 2024; 73:649-658. [PMID: 37813567 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The association between baseline pretreatment serum HBV DNA levels and on-treatment hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk remains controversial in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to investigate the association between baseline HBV viral load and on-treatment HCC risk in CHB patients without cirrhosis. DESIGN Using a multicentre historical cohort study including 4693 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative and HBeAg-positive, adult CHB patients without cirrhosis who initiated antiviral treatment, HCC risk was estimated by baseline HBV viral load as a categorical variable. RESULTS During a median of 7.6 years of antiviral treatment, 193 patients developed HCC (0.53 per 100 person- years). Baseline HBV DNA level was independently associated with on-treatment HCC risk in a non-linear, parabolic pattern. Patients with moderate baseline viral loads (5.00-7.99 log10 IU/mL) exhibited the highest HCC risk (HR, 2.60; p<0.001), followed by those with low viral loads (3.30-4.99 log10 IU/mL; HR, 1.66; p=0.11). Patients with high viral loads (≥8.00 log10 IU/mL) presented the lowest HCC risk. Particularly, patients with baseline HBV DNA levels 6.00-6.99 log10 IU/mL had the highest on-treatment HCC risk (HR, 3.36; p<0.001) compared with those with baseline HBV DNA levels≥8.00 log10 IU/mL. These findings were more prominent among HBeAg-positive patients, younger patients, or those with less advanced hepatic fibrosis. CONCLUSION Patients with moderate baseline viral load, particularly around 6 log10 IU/mL, demonstrated the highest on-treatment HCC risk, despite long-term antiviral treatment. Early initiation of antiviral treatment, tailored to viral load, should be considered to minimise HCC risk in adult CHB patients without cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Mook Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gi-Ae Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jonggi Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gwang Hyeon Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, South Korea
| | - Yun Bin Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Sinn
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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7
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Lim YS. Gray zone of hepatitis B virus infection. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:76-82. [PMID: 37843134 PMCID: PMC10980295 DOI: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_279_23] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT A substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) do not fall into any of the defined phases and are considered to be in the "gray zone" or "indeterminate phase." Most of the current clinical practice guidelines have no recommendations for antiviral treatment for them. However, the gray zone CHB patients with significant hepatitis B virus levels (>2000 IU/mL) and persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels have a significantly high risk of hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The molecular, clinical, and economic data that we have reviewed collectively in this article provide support for simplification of treatment initiation strategies that incorporate broader treatment of adult patients with CHB in the gray zone (hepatitis B virus [HBV] DNA ≥2000 IU/mL), regardless of ALT levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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8
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Su F, Jacobson IM. Chronic Hepatitis B: Treat all Who Are Viremic? Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:791-808. [PMID: 37778770 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The main aim of antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is to prevent disease progression and reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In general, treatment is recommended for select patient groups viewed as being at higher risk of developing adverse outcomes from CHB. However, patients who do not meet treatment criteria under current international guidelines may still benefit from antiviral therapy to reduce CHB-related complications. Moreover, well-tolerated antiviral drugs that are highly effective at suppressing viral replication are now widely available, and withholding therapy from patients with viremia is increasingly controversial. In this article, we review traditional treatment paradigms and argue the merits of expanding treatment eligibility to patients with CHB who do not meet current treatment criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Su
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 150 East 32nd Street, Suite 101, New York, NY 10016, USA; New York University Langone Transplant Institute, 317 East 34th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Ira M Jacobson
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 150 East 32nd Street, Suite 101, New York, NY 10016, USA
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9
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Choi WM, Lim YS. Editorial: Time to consider early treatment for chronic hepatitis B in both children and adults. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 58:942-943. [PMID: 37831537 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Wu et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17667 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17685
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Mook Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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10
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Kim SR, Kim SK. Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatitis: Advanced Diagnosis and Management with a Focus on the Prevention of Hepatitis B-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3212. [PMID: 37892033 PMCID: PMC10605503 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13203212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Though the world-wide hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination program has been well completed for almost thirty years in many nations, almost HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs in unvaccinated middle-aged and elderly adults. Apparently, treating 80% of qualified subjects could decrease HBV-related mortality by 65% in a short period. Nevertheless, globally, only 2.2% of CHB patients undergo antiviral therapy. The HBV markers related to HCC occurrence and prevention are as follows: the HCC risk is the highest at a baseline of HBV DNA of 6-7 log copies/mL, and it is the lowest at a baseline of an HBV DNA level of >8 log copies/mL and ≤4 log copies/mL (parabolic, and not linear pattern). The titer of an HBV core-related antigen (HBcrAg) reflecting the amount of HBV covalently closed circular DNA (ccc DNA) in the liver is related to HCC occurrence. The seroclearance of HBs antigen (HBsAg) is more crucial than HBV DNA negativity for the prevention of HCC. In terms of the secondary prevention of hepatitis B-related HCC involving antiviral therapies with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs), unsolved issues include the definition of the immune-tolerant phase; the optimal time for starting antiviral therapies with NAs; the limits of increased aminotransferase (ALT) levels as criteria for therapy in CHB patients; the normalization of ALT levels with NAs and the relation to the risk of HCC; and the relation between serum HBV levels and the risk of HCC. Moreover, the first-line therapy with NAs including entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) remains to be clarified. Discussed here, therefore, are the recent findings of HBV markers related to HCC occurrence and prevention, unsolved issues, and the current secondary antiviral therapy for the prevention of HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soo Ki Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe Asahi Hospital, Kobe 653-0801, Japan;
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11
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Howell J, Seaman C, Wallace J, Xiao Y, Scott N, Davies J, de Santis T, Adda D, El-Sayed M, Feld JJ, Gane E, Lacombe K, Lesi O, Mohamed R, Silva M, Tu T, Revill P, Hellard ME. Pathway to global elimination of hepatitis B: HBV cure is just the first step. Hepatology 2023; 78:976-990. [PMID: 37125643 PMCID: PMC10442143 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a major cause of global morbidity and mortality, and the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide. Significant advances have recently been made toward the development of a finite HBV treatment that achieves permanent loss of HBsAg and HBV DNA (so-called "HBV cure"), which could provide the means to eliminate HBV as a public health threat. However, the HBV cure is just one step toward achieving WHO HBV elimination targets by 2030, and much work must be done now to prepare for the successful implementation of the HBV cure. In this review, we describe the required steps to rapidly scale-up future HBV cure equitably. We present key actions required for successful HBV cure implementation, integrated within the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) 2022-2030 framework. Finally, we highlight what can be done now to progress toward the 2030 HBV elimination targets using available tools to ensure that we are preparing, but not waiting, for the cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Howell
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chris Seaman
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jack Wallace
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yinzong Xiao
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nick Scott
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Davies
- Department Global Health and Infectious diseases, Menzies School of Public Health, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Teresa de Santis
- Department Global Health and Infectious diseases, Menzies School of Public Health, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | - Manal El-Sayed
- Department Paediatrics, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Jordan J. Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edward Gane
- Department Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Sorbonne Université, IPLESP, Saint-Antoine Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Olufunmilayo Lesi
- Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programme, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rosmawati Mohamed
- Department of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Marcelo Silva
- Department Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Austral University Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Thomas Tu
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Revill
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret E. Hellard
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Infectious Diseases, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Lim YS, Kim WR, Dieterich D, Kao JH, Flaherty JF, Yee LJ, Roberts LR, Razavi H, Kennedy PTF. Evidence for Benefits of Early Treatment Initiation for Chronic Hepatitis B. Viruses 2023; 15:997. [PMID: 37112976 PMCID: PMC10142077 DOI: 10.3390/v15040997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Antiviral treatment reduces the risk of HCC and mortality; nonetheless, globally in 2019, only 2.2% of CHB patients received treatment. Current international CHB guidelines recommend antiviral treatment only in subsets of patients with clear evidence of liver damage. This contrasts with hepatitis C or HIV where early treatment is recommended in all infected patients, regardless of end-organ damage. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of data on the early initiation of antiviral treatment and its related potential economic impact. Literature searches were performed using PubMed and abstracts from international liver congresses (2019-2021). Data on risk of disease progression and HCC and the impact of antiviral treatment in currently ineligible patients were summarized. Cost-effectiveness data on early antiviral treatment initiation were also collated. Accumulating molecular, clinical, and economic data suggest that early initiation of antiviral treatment could save many lives through HCC prevention in a highly cost-effective manner. In light of these data, we consider several alternative expanded treatment strategies that might further a simplified 'treatment as prevention' approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - W. Ray Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94063, USA
| | - Douglas Dieterich
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Research, Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Lewis R. Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Homie Razavi
- Center for Disease Analysis Foundation, Lafayette, CO 80026, USA
| | - Patrick T. F. Kennedy
- Barts Liver Centre, Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
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Sheng Q, Wang N, Zhang C, Fan Y, Li Y, Han C, Wang Z, Wei S, Dou X, Ding Y. HBeAg-negative Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Normal Alanine Aminotransferase: Wait or Treat? J Clin Transl Hepatol 2022; 10:972-978. [PMID: 36304490 PMCID: PMC9547271 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a common clinical indicator of liver inflammation. The current Chinese guidelines for the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) recommend antiviral treatment for patients with detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and persistent ALT levels (ALTs) exceeding the upper limit of normal. However, it has been recently reported that patients with chronic HBV infection, especially HBeAg-negative patients with persistently normal ALTs, may have liver biopsy findings of significant inflammation and fibrosis. For HBeAg-negative patients with chronic HBV infection and normal ALTs, many controversial questions have been asked. To treat or not? When to initiate the treatment? Which drug is appropriate? In this review, we summarize the available data on the management of HBeAg-negative patients with chronic HBV infection and normal ALTs with the aim of improving the current clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiaoguang Dou
- Correspondence to: Xiaoguang Dou and Yang Ding, Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 HuaXiang Road, TieXi District,Shenyang, Liaoning 110022, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1856-7331 (XGD), https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7066-2865 (YD). Tel: +86-18940251121 (XGD), +86-13332434847 (YD), Fax: +86-24-25998744, E-mail: (XGD), (YD)
| | - Yang Ding
- Correspondence to: Xiaoguang Dou and Yang Ding, Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 HuaXiang Road, TieXi District,Shenyang, Liaoning 110022, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1856-7331 (XGD), https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7066-2865 (YD). Tel: +86-18940251121 (XGD), +86-13332434847 (YD), Fax: +86-24-25998744, E-mail: (XGD), (YD)
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14
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Dieterich D, Graham C, Wang S, Kwo P, Lim YS, Liu CJ, Agarwal K, Sulkowski M. It Is Time for a Simplified Approach to Hepatitis B Elimination. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2022; 2:209-218. [PMID: 39132618 PMCID: PMC11307636 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Background and Aims Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to threaten millions of lives across the globe, despite universal vaccination efforts. Current guidelines for screening, vaccination, and treatment are complex and have left too many people undiagnosed or improperly managed. Antiviral therapy has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of liver-related complications, including liver cancer. However, the complexity of existing guidelines can make it difficult to identify which patients to target for treatment, and recommendations that are difficult to implement in real-world settings pose a barrier to eligible patients to receive therapy and contribute to health disparities in HBV care. The goal of this global expert panel was to gain consensus on a streamlined approach to HBV care to facilitate implementation of HBV intervention and treatment, especially in the primary care setting. Methods A group of 8 liver and infectious disease specialists attended a meeting in January 2021 with the objective of gaining consensus on a streamlined algorithm for HBV care that would encourage implementation of HBV intervention and treatment. Results We have created a comprehensive perspective highlighting screening optimization, diagnostic workup, treatment, and monitoring. This treatment algorithm is designed to provide a streamlined visual pathway for risk stratification and management of patients with HBV that can be adapted in various care settings. Conclusion Simplification of guidelines will be critical to achieving health equity to address this public health threat and achieve HBV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Dieterich
- Division of Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Camilla Graham
- Division of Infectious Disease, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Su Wang
- Center for Asian Health, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, RWJ Barnabas Health, Florham Park, New Jersey
| | - Paul Kwo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford Medical Center, Pleasanton, California
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center at the National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kosh Agarwal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, England
| | - Mark Sulkowski
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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15
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Howell J, Hellard M. Making child's play of tolerance: Defining the immune-viral interplay during combination entecavir and pegylated interferon therapy for immune-tolerant hepatitis B infection. Hepatology 2022; 76:554-557. [PMID: 35262950 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Howell
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
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Sheena BS, Hiebert L, Han H, Ippolito H, Abbasi-Kangevari M, Abbasi-Kangevari Z, Abbastabar H, Abdoli A, Abubaker Ali H, Adane MM, Adegboye OA, Adnani QES, Advani SM, Afzal MS, Afzal S, Aghaie Meybodi M, Ahadinezhad B, Ahinkorah BO, Ahmad S, Ahmad T, Ahmadi S, Ahmed H, Ahmed MB, Ahmed Rashid T, Akalu GT, Aklilu A, Akram T, Al Hamad H, Alahdab F, Alem AZ, Alem DT, Alhalaiqa FAN, Alhassan RK, Ali L, Ali MA, Alimohamadi Y, Alipour V, Alkhayyat M, Almustanyir S, Al-Raddadi RM, Altawalah H, Amini S, Amu H, Ancuceanu R, Andrei CL, Andrei T, Anoushiravani A, Ansar A, Anyasodor AE, Arabloo J, Arab-Zozani M, Argaw AM, Argaw ZG, Arshad M, Artamonov AA, Ashraf T, Atlaw D, Ausloos F, Ausloos M, Azadnajafabad S, Azangou-Khyavy M, Azari Jafari A, Azarian G, Bagheri S, Bahadory S, Baig AA, Banach M, Barati N, Barrow A, Batiha AMM, Bejarano Ramirez DF, Belgaumi UI, Berhie AY, Bhagat DS, Bhardwaj N, Bhardwaj P, Bhattacharyya K, Bhojaraja VS, Bijani A, Biondi A, Bodicha BBA, Bojia HA, Boloor A, Bosetti C, Braithwaite D, Briko NI, Butt ZA, Cámera LA, Chakinala RC, Chakraborty PA, Charan J, Chen S, Choi JYJ, Choudhari SG, Chowdhury FR, Chu DT, Chung SC, Cortesi PA, Cowie BC, Culbreth GT, Dadras O, Dai X, Dandona L, Dandona R, De la Hoz FP, Debela SA, Dedefo MG, Demeke FM, Demie TGG, Demissie GD, Derbew Molla M, Desta AA, Dhamnetiya D, Dhimal ML, Dhimal M, Didehdar M, Doan LP, Dorostkar F, Drake TM, Eghbalian F, Ekholuenetale M, El Sayed I, El Sayed Zaki M, Elhadi M, Elmonem MA, Elsharkawy A, Enany S, Enyew DB, Erkhembayar R, Eskandarieh S, Esmaeilzadeh F, Ezzikouri S, Farrokhpour H, Fetensa G, Fischer F, Foroutan M, Gad MM, Gaidhane AM, Gaidhane S, Galles NC, Gallus S, Gebremeskel TG, Gebreyohannes EA, Ghadiri K, Ghaffari K, Ghafourifard M, Ghamari SH, Ghashghaee A, Gholami A, Gholizadeh A, Gilani A, Goel A, Golechha M, Goleij P, Golinelli D, Gorini G, Goshu YA, Griswold MG, Gubari MIM, Gupta B, Gupta S, Gupta VB, Gupta VK, Haddadi R, Halwani R, Hamid SS, Hamidi S, Hanif A, Haque S, Harapan H, Hargono A, Hariri S, Hasaballah AI, Hasan SMM, Hassanipour S, Hassankhani H, Hay SI, Hayat K, Heidari G, Herteliu C, Heyi DZ, Hezam K, Holla R, Hosseini MS, Hosseini M, Hosseinzadeh M, Hostiuc M, Househ M, Huang J, Hussein NR, Iavicoli I, Ibitoye SE, Ilesanmi OS, Ilic IM, Ilic MD, Irham LM, Islam JY, Ismail NE, Jacobsen KH, Jadidi-Niaragh F, Javadi Mamaghani A, Jayaram S, Jayawardena R, Jebai R, Jha RP, Joseph N, Joukar F, Kaambwa B, Kabir A, Kabir Z, Kalhor R, Kandel H, Kanko TKT, Kantar RS, Karaye IM, Kassa BG, Kemp Bohan PM, Keykhaei M, Khader YS, Khajuria H, Khan G, Khan IA, Khan J, Khan MAB, Khanali J, Khater AM, Khatib MN, Khodadost M, Khoja AT, Khosravizadeh O, Khubchandani J, Kim GR, Kim H, Kim MS, Kim YJ, Kocarnik JM, Kolahi AA, Koteeswaran R, Kumar GA, La Vecchia C, Lal DK, Landires I, Lasrado S, Lazarus JV, Ledda C, Lee DW, Lee SW, Lee YY, Levi M, Li J, Lim SS, Lobo SW, Lopukhov PD, Loureiro JA, MacLachlan JH, Magdy Abd El Razek H, Magdy Abd El Razek M, Majeed A, Makki A, Malekpour MR, Malekzadeh R, Malik AA, Mansour-Ghanaei F, Mansournia MA, Martins-Melo FR, Matthews PC, Mendoza W, Menezes RG, Meretoja TJ, Mersha AG, Mestrovic T, Miller TR, Minh LHN, Mirica A, Mirmoeeni S, Mirrakhimov EM, Misra S, Mithra P, Moazen B, Mohamadkhani A, Mohammadi M, Mohammed S, Moka N, Mokdad AH, Moludi J, Momtazmanesh S, Monasta L, Moradi G, Moradzadeh M, Moradzadeh R, Moraga P, Mostafavi E, Mubarik S, Muniyandi M, Murray CJL, Naghavi M, Naimzada MD, Narasimha Swamy S, Natto ZS, Nayak BP, Nazari J, Negoi I, Negru SM, Nejadghaderi SA, Neupane Kandel S, Nguyen HLT, Ngwa CH, Niazi RK, Nnaji CA, Noubiap JJ, Nowroozi A, Nuñez-Samudio V, Oancea B, Ochir C, Odukoya OO, Oh IH, Olagunju AT, Olakunde BO, Omar Bali A, Omer E, Otstavnov SS, Oumer B, Padubidri JR, Pana A, Pandey A, Park EC, Pashazadeh Kan F, Patel UK, Paudel U, Petcu IR, Piracha ZZ, Pollok RCG, Postma MJ, Pourshams A, Poustchi H, Rabiee M, Rabiee N, Rafiei A, Rafiei S, Raghuram PM, Rahman M, Rahmani AM, Rahmawaty S, Rajesh A, Ranasinghe P, Rao CR, Rao SJ, Rashidi M, Rashidi MM, Rawaf DL, Rawaf S, Rawassizadeh R, Rezaei N, Rezapour A, Rezazadeh-Khadem S, Rodriguez JAB, Rwegerera GM, Sabour S, Saddik B, Saeb MR, Saeed U, Sahebkar A, Saif-Ur-Rahman KM, Salahi S, Salimzadeh H, Sampath C, Samy AM, Sanabria J, Sanmarchi F, Santric-Milicevic MM, Sarveazad A, Sathian B, Sawhney M, Seidu AA, Sepanlou SG, Seylani A, Shahabi S, Shaikh MA, Shaker E, Shakhmardanov MZ, Shannawaz M, Shenoy SM, Shetty JK, Shetty PH, Shibuya K, Shin JI, Shobeiri P, Sibhat MM, Singh AD, Singh JA, Singh S, Skryabin VY, Skryabina AA, Sohrabpour AA, Song S, Tabaeian SP, Tadesse EG, Taheri M, Tampa M, Tan KK, Tavakoli A, Tbakhi A, Tefera BN, Tehrani-Banihashemi A, Tesfaw HM, Thapar R, Thavamani A, Tohidast SA, Tollosa DN, Tosti ME, Tovani-Palone MR, Traini E, Tran MTN, Trihandini I, Tusa BS, Ullah I, Vacante M, Valadan Tahbaz S, Valdez PR, Varthya SB, Vo B, Waheed Y, Weldesenbet AB, Woldemariam M, Xu S, Yahyazadeh Jabbari SH, Yaseri M, Yeshaw Y, Yiğit V, Yirdaw BW, Yonemoto N, Yu C, Yunusa I, Zahir M, Zaki L, Zamani M, Zamanian M, Zastrozhin MS, Vos T, Ward JW, Dirac MA. Global, regional, and national burden of hepatitis B, 1990-2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 7:796-829. [PMID: 35738290 PMCID: PMC9349325 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(22)00124-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 117.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combating viral hepatitis is part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and WHO has put forth hepatitis B elimination targets in its Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis (WHO-GHSS) and Interim Guidance for Country Validation of Viral Hepatitis Elimination (WHO Interim Guidance). We estimated the global, regional, and national prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), as well as mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to HBV, as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019. This included estimates for 194 WHO member states, for which we compared our estimates to WHO elimination targets. METHODS The primary data sources were population-based serosurveys, claims and hospital discharges, cancer registries, vital registration systems, and published case series. We estimated chronic HBV infection and the burden of HBV-related diseases, defined as an aggregate of cirrhosis due to hepatitis B, liver cancer due to hepatitis B, and acute hepatitis B. We used DisMod-MR 2.1, a Bayesian mixed-effects meta-regression tool, to estimate the prevalence of chronic HBV infection, cirrhosis, and aetiological proportions of cirrhosis. We used mortality-to-incidence ratios modelled with spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression to estimate the incidence of liver cancer. We used the Cause of Death Ensemble modelling (CODEm) model, a tool that selects models and covariates on the basis of out-of-sample performance, to estimate mortality due to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and acute hepatitis B. FINDINGS In 2019, the estimated global, all-age prevalence of chronic HBV infection was 4·1% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 3·7 to 4·5), corresponding to 316 million (284 to 351) infected people. There was a 31·3% (29·0 to 33·9) decline in all-age prevalence between 1990 and 2019, with a more marked decline of 76·8% (76·2 to 77·5) in prevalence in children younger than 5 years. HBV-related diseases resulted in 555 000 global deaths (487 000 to 630 000) in 2019. The number of HBV-related deaths increased between 1990 and 2019 (by 5·9% [-5·6 to 19·2]) and between 2015 and 2019 (by 2·9% [-5·9 to 11·3]). By contrast, all-age and age-standardised death rates due to HBV-related diseases decreased during these periods. We compared estimates for 2019 in 194 WHO locations to WHO-GHSS 2020 targets, and found that four countries achieved a 10% reduction in deaths, 15 countries achieved a 30% reduction in new cases, and 147 countries achieved a 1% prevalence in children younger than 5 years. As of 2019, 68 of 194 countries had already achieved the 2030 target proposed in WHO Interim Guidance of an all-age HBV-related death rate of four per 100 000. INTERPRETATION The prevalence of chronic HBV infection declined over time, particularly in children younger than 5 years, since the introduction of hepatitis B vaccination. HBV-related death rates also decreased, but HBV-related death counts increased as a result of population growth, ageing, and cohort effects. By 2019, many countries had met the interim seroprevalence target for children younger than 5 years, but few countries had met the WHO-GHSS interim targets for deaths and new cases. Progress according to all indicators must be accelerated to meet 2030 targets, and there are marked disparities in burden and progress across the world. HBV interventions, such as vaccination, testing, and treatment, must be strategically supported and scaled up to achieve elimination. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Choi WM, Lim YS. Concerns about the inverse relationship between baseline HBV DNA and on-treatment hepatocellular carcinoma risk. Reply. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:161425. [PMID: 35912858 PMCID: PMC9337818 DOI: 10.1172/jci161425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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18
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Lim YS, Ahn SH, Shim JJ, Razavi H, Razavi-Shearer D, Sinn DH. Impact of expanding hepatitis B treatment guidelines: A modelling and economic impact analysis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 56:519-528. [PMID: 35614532 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiviral treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) may decrease the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and death. However, only 2.2% of CHB patients receive antiviral treatment globally. The complexity and strictness of the current clinical practice guidelines may limit expanding the treatment coverage for CHB. AIMS To examine the impact of expanding treatment criteria on future disease burden in Korea, a hepatitis B virus (HBV) endemic country with high diagnostic rates. MATERIALS Dynamic country-level data were used to estimate the HCC incidence, overall mortality and economic impact of three incremental scenarios compared to the base case in Korea through 2035. RESULTS In 2020, 1,409,000 CHB cases were estimated, with the majority born before 1995. All scenarios assumed treating 70% of eligible individuals. The first scenario removed viral load restrictions in cirrhotic patients, which would avert 13,000 cases of HCC and save 11,800 lives. The second scenario, lowering the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level restriction to the upper limit of the normal in non-cirrhotic patients, would avert 26,700 cases of HCC and save 23,300 lives. The last scenario removed the restriction by ALT and HBeAg in treating non-cirrhotic individuals with a viral load of ≥2000 IU/ml, which would avert 43,300 cases of HCC and save 37,000 lives. All scenarios were highly cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS Simplifying and expanding treatment eligibility for CHB would save many lives and be highly cost-effective when combined with high diagnostic rates. These dynamic country-level data may provide new insights for their global application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Suk Lim
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Jun Shim
- Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Oh H, Lee HY, Kim J, Kim YJ. Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis: Comparison of the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Antiviral-Naive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Treated with Entecavir versus Tenofovir: The Devil in the Detail. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2617. [PMID: 35681596 PMCID: PMC9179302 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and entecavir (ETV) are the preferred anti-viral agents used as first-line treatments for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, the efficacy of these agents in reducing the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. We conducted this meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of anti-viral agent on preventing HCC in CHB. Two investigators independently searched all relevant studies that examined the efficacy of anti-viral agent for preventing HCC using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases through August 2021. The extracted data were analysed using a random-effects meta-analysis model based on the inverse-variance method (DerSimonian-Laird) and expressed as hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). We included 19 retrospective studies in the analysis. Although there was substantial heterogeneity between the studies, the overall pooled HR indicated that TDF significantly lowered the risk of HCC (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58-0.90, I2 = 66.29%). However, the pooled analysis of propensity score (PS)-matched subpopulations showed no significant differences (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.65-1.06; I2 = 52.30%) between TDF and ETV. In a subgroup analysis, an interval of over three years in the start point of patient enrolment and excluding alcoholic liver disease patients significantly lowered the HCC risk associated with TDF. In conclusion, TDF may be more effective than ETV at reducing HCC incidence in treatment-naive CHB patients, but this effect was not consistent in the PS-matched subpopulation that reduced heterogeneity. As a result of subgroup analysis, the conflicting findings of previous studies may result from heterogeneous inclusion criteria. Further studies with standardised protocols are needed to reduce the residual heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunwoo Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu 11759, Korea; (H.O.); (H.Y.L.)
| | - Hyo Young Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu 11759, Korea; (H.O.); (H.Y.L.)
| | - Jihye Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea;
| | - Yoon Jun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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Koffas A, Mak LY, Gill US, Kennedy PTF. Early Treatment Consideration in Patients with Hepatitis B 'e' Antigen-Positive Chronic Infection: Is It Time for a Paradigm Shift? Viruses 2022; 14:v14050900. [PMID: 35632642 PMCID: PMC9143099 DOI: 10.3390/v14050900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, due to the adverse sequelae of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To date, antiviral therapy has been reserved for patients with ostensibly active liver disease, fibrosis or cirrhosis, and/or increased risk of HCC. Historically, patients with hepatitis B 'e' antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic infection, were not offered antiviral therapy. Nevertheless, there has been compelling evidence emerging in recent years, demonstrating that this disease phase is in fact not characterized by immunological tolerance. HBV integration into the human genome is a frequent event found in these patients. Additionally, it may well be associated with active inflammation and fibrosis, even in the presence of persistently normal liver enzymes. Likewise, it appears that the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis are already present during this early stage of the disease. This was reflected in the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) guidelines, where treating patients above the age of 30 years with HBeAg-positive chronic infection was proposed. Lowering the treatment threshold to broaden treatment eligibility is likely to slow disease progression and reduce the risk of developing HCC. The current review discusses the reasons to consider early antiviral therapy in HBeAg-positive chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolos Koffas
- Barts Liver Centre, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.K.); (L.-Y.M.); (U.S.G.)
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Barts Liver Centre, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.K.); (L.-Y.M.); (U.S.G.)
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Upkar S. Gill
- Barts Liver Centre, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.K.); (L.-Y.M.); (U.S.G.)
| | - Patrick T. F. Kennedy
- Barts Liver Centre, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.K.); (L.-Y.M.); (U.S.G.)
- Correspondence:
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21
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Hong YM, Yoon KT. [Definition and Management of the Immune Tolerance Phase in Chronic Hepatitis B]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2022; 79:156-160. [PMID: 35473773 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2022.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In the natural course of chronic hepatitis B, the immune tolerance phase is characterized by HBeAg positivity, very high levels of HBV DNA, and persistent normal alanine aminotransferase. The international guideline recommendation for patients in this phase is observation without antiviral treatment because of the low risk of disease progression and the lack of effective antiviral agents. However, recent retrospective studies have shown that progression to hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma may occur in patients who are in the immune tolerance phase. Despite the conceptual definition and clinical diagnostic criteria for this phase, it is difficult to accurately diagnose the true immune tolerance phase. Therefore, we should pay attention to the clinical evaluation and interpretation of the immune tolerance phase and understand the clinical situations in which antiviral treatments should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Mi Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea.,Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea.,Liver Center, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Ki Tae Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea.,Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea.,Liver Center, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
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22
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KASL clinical practice guidelines for management of chronic hepatitis B. Clin Mol Hepatol 2022; 28:276-331. [PMID: 35430783 PMCID: PMC9013624 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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23
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Hellard M, Howell J. Simplify access to hepatitis B care. Nature 2022; 603:S53. [PMID: 35354984 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-022-00815-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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24
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Choi WM, Kim GA, Choi J, Han S, Lim YS. Increasing on-treatment hepatocellular carcinoma risk with decreasing baseline viral load in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:154833. [PMID: 35358094 PMCID: PMC9106348 DOI: 10.1172/jci154833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear whether the level of serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA at baseline affects the on-treatment risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatitis B e antigen–positive (HBeAg-positive), noncirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS We conducted a multicenter cohort study including 2073 entecavir- or tenofovir-treated, HBeAg-positive, noncirrhotic adult CHB patients with baseline HBV DNA levels of 5.00 log10 IU/mL or higher at 3 centers in South Korea between January 2007 and December 2016. We evaluated the on-treatment incidence rate of HCC according to baseline HBV DNA levels. RESULTS During a median 5.7 years of continuous antiviral treatment, 47 patients developed HCC (0.39 per 100 person-years). By Kaplan-Meier analysis, the risk of HCC was lowest in patients with baseline HBV DNA levels of 8.00 log10 IU/mL or higher, increased incrementally with decreasing viral load, and was highest in those with HBV DNA levels of 5.00–5.99 log10 IU/mL (P < 0.001). By multivariable analysis, the baseline HBV DNA level was an independent factor that was inversely associated with HCC risk. Compared with HBV DNA levels of 8.00 log10 IU/mL or higher, the adjusted HRs for HCC risk with HBV DNA levels of 7.00–7.99 log10 IU/mL, 6.00–6.99 log10 IU/mL, or 5.00–5.99 log10 IU/mL were 2.48 (P = 0.03), 3.69 (P = 0.002), and 6.10 (P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION On-treatment HCC risk increased incrementally with decreasing baseline HBV DNA levels in the range of 5.00 log10 IU/mL or higher in HBeAg-positive, noncirrhotic adult patients with CHB. Early initiation of antiviral treatment when the viral load is high (≥8.00 log10 IU/mL) may maintain the lowest risk of HCC for those patients. FUNDING Patient-Centered Clinical Research Coordinating Center (PACEN) (grant no. HC20C0062) of the National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency; National R&D Program for Cancer Control through the National Cancer Center (grant no. HA21C0110), Ministry of Health and Welfare, South Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Mook Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
| | - Gi-Ae Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
| | - Jonggi Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
| | - Seungbong Han
- Department of Biostatistics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
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25
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Gao WK, Shu YY, Chen Y, Ai Y, Yang XQ, Du F, Ye J. Effectiveness of Tenofovir Alafenamide in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Normal Alanine Aminotransferase and Positive Hepatitis B Virus DNA. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2022; 10:112-119. [PMID: 35233379 PMCID: PMC8845166 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS With an increasing understanding of hepatitis B, the antiviral indications have been broadening gradually. To evaluate the effectiveness of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, those who are ineligible for broader antiviral criteria from the Chinese CHB prevention guide (2019). METHODS A total of 117 patients were recruited and their data were collected from paper or electronic medical records. HBV DNA and liver function were measured at baseline and throughout the 24-week follow-up. The effectiveness endpoint was complete virological response. The safety endpoint was the first occurrence of any clinical adverse event during the treatment. RESULTS Among the 117 patients, 45 had normal ALT as well as detectable HBV DNA and they were not recommended for antiviral therapy according to Chinese Guidelines (2019). After TAF antiviral therapy, the rates of patients who achieved HBV DNA <20 IU/mL at 4, 12 and 24 weeks were 77.1%, 96.7% and 96.8% respectively. Among them, the undetectable rates of HBV DNA in patients with low baseline viral load at 4, 12 and 24 weeks were 92.3%, 100% and 100%, while the rates of those with high baseline viral load were 68.2%, 94.1% and 94.4%. Compared with 71.4%, 94.4% and 94.7% in the high baseline group, the undetectable rates of HBV DNA at 4, 12 and 24 weeks in the low baseline liver stiffness group were 85.7%, 100% and 100%. There was no statistical significance among the above groups. CONCLUSIONS CHB patients who had normal ALT and detectable HBV DNA and did not meet "CHB prevention guide (2019)", could achieve complete virological response in 24 weeks after antiviral treatment by TAF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fan Du
- Correspondence to: Jin Ye and Fan Du, Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1521-1746 (JY), https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2704-2131 (FD). Tel: +86-27-8572-6601 (JY), +86-27-8572-6678 (FD), E-mail: (JY), (FD)
| | - Jin Ye
- Correspondence to: Jin Ye and Fan Du, Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1521-1746 (JY), https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2704-2131 (FD). Tel: +86-27-8572-6601 (JY), +86-27-8572-6678 (FD), E-mail: (JY), (FD)
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26
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Alqahtani SA, Colombo M. Treatment for Viral Hepatitis as Secondary Prevention for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2021; 10:3091. [PMID: 34831314 PMCID: PMC8619578 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic infections with either hepatitis B or C virus (HBV or HCV) are among the most common risk factors for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The hepatocarcinogenic potential of these viruses is mediated through a wide range of mechanisms, including the induction of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress and the deregulation of cellular pathways by viral proteins. Over the last decade, effective anti-viral agents have made sustained viral suppression or cure a feasible treatment objective for most chronic HBV/HCV patients. Given the tumorigenic potential of HBV/HCV, it is no surprise that obtaining sustained viral suppression or eradication proves to be effective in preventing HCC. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which HCV and HBV exert their hepatocarcinogenic activity and describes in detail the efficacy of anti-HBV and anti-HCV therapies in terms of HCC prevention. Although these treatments significantly reduce the risk for HCC in patients with chronic viral hepatitis, this risk is not eliminated. Therefore, we evaluate potential strategies to improve these outcomes further and address some of the remaining controversies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh A. Alqahtani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Liver Transplant Center, and Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Scientific Computing Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Massimo Colombo
- Liver Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy;
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27
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Premkumar M, Kumar Chawla Y. Chronic Hepatitis B: Challenges and Successes in India. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2021; 18:111-116. [PMID: 34691396 PMCID: PMC8518333 DOI: 10.1002/cld.1125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Madhumita Premkumar
- Department of HepatologyPostgraduate Institute of Medical Education and ResearchChandigarhIndia
| | - Yogesh Kumar Chawla
- Former Head of the Department of HepatologyPostgraduate Institute of Medical Education and ResearchChandigarhIndia
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28
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Zhou J, Wang FD, Wang ML, Tao YC, Wu DB, Sheng YJ, Xiao GB, Chen XB, Chen X, Chen EQ. Antiviral Therapy for Chronic HBV Infection With Persistently Normal Alanine Aminotransferase: Controversy and Consensus. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:717125. [PMID: 34527683 PMCID: PMC8435583 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.717125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
ALT is one of the most sensitive biochemical indexes to reflect liver injury. It is generally believed that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients with normal ALT levels are in either immune tolerance or low replication stage of the natural history of hepatitis B, and there is no or only mild inflammation in liver tissue, so antiviral therapy is not recommended. However, chronic HBV-infected patients with normal ALT levels are not always in a stable state. A considerable number of patients will develop active hepatitis or occult progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, whether antiviral therapy should be recommended for chronic HBV infection with normal ALT level has been a hot topic in clinical practice. In this paper, the definition of immune tolerance, the relationship between ALT and liver inflammation, and the benefits of antiviral therapy were reviewed, and we hope it will be helpful for clinicians to have a deeper understanding of whether antiviral therapy should be considered for chronic HBV infection with normal ALT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fa-Da Wang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meng-Lan Wang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya-Chao Tao
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong-Bo Wu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun-Jian Sheng
- Department of Infection, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Gui-Bao Xiao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Ziyang City, Ziyang, China
| | - Xue-Bin Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second People's Hospital of Neijiang, Neijiang, China
| | - En-Qiang Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Cost-effectiveness analysis of first-line treatment for chronic hepatitis B in China. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 28:300.e1-300.e8. [PMID: 34197929 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatitis B virus infection is an important public health problem. We analysed the cost-effectiveness of the first-line therapies, including nucleotide analogues (namely tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and entecavir) and pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in China. METHODS A Markov model describing CHB disease progression was constructed to compare the cost-effectiveness of the first-line therapies, considering both satisfactory (HBeAg seroconversion) and optimal (HBsAg seroclearance) treatment goals. We examined the main outcomes, including cumulative lifetime cost per patient, incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio and net monetary benefit. Uncertainty analysis was conducted to identify key influential parameters. RESULTS Compared with the baseline strategy, Peg-IFN had the highest QALY gain for HBeAg-positive (HBeAg+) CHB patients achieving a satisfactory goal and an optimal goal (3.19 and 6.32 respectively), and TDF was the most cost-effective therapy for HBeAg-negative CHB patients ($1418/QALY) achieving a satisfactory goal. Among nucleotide analogues, TAF was the most-effective strategy and had higher acceptability to achieve an optimal goal in the Eastern region of China (under 1 x GDP per capita threshold). CONCLUSIONS Among nucleotide analogues, TDF was the most cost-effective treatment in China for CHB patients to achieve satisfactory and optimal treatment goals, whereas TAF was cost-effective and more effective in the wealthier region. Peg-IFN was most cost-effective among HBeAg+ CHB patients to achieve both goals, with better clinical outcomes. Our findings also indicate the importance of regular monitoring during and after CHB treatment, and could inform treatment strategies in China and other countries.
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30
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Choi J, Lim YS. Secondary prevention of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma with current antiviral therapies. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2021; 37:262-267. [PMID: 33502828 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, marked advancement has been made in the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Due to highly effective antiviral therapies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), long-term clinical outcomes in patients with CHB has also been dramatically improved. However, current antiviral therapies for CHB cannot completely abolish the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, current treatment guidelines for CHB should be interpreted with caution given that HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis could be underway in patients who are not eligible for antiviral therapies by current guidelines. Therefore, efforts to reconcile treatment guidelines with recent clinical evidence should be made for reducing further development of HCC. In this article, we review the secondary prevention of HBV-related HCC with current antiviral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonggi Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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