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Mahajan A, Kharawala S, Desai S, Kendrick S, Das J, Gielen V. Association of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels With Long-Term Complications in Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Systematic Literature Review. J Viral Hepat 2024. [PMID: 39150061 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global issue and can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is an important marker of HBV infection and HBsAg quantification could be a useful tool in clinical practice. This systematic literature review aimed to explore the association between HBsAg titres and long-term disease outcomes and evaluate the relationship between HBsAg titres, or changes in HBsAg titres, and clinical and treatment characteristics in patients with chronic HBV infection. Structured searches were performed in MEDLINE and Embase (January 2000 to 31 March 2023). Eighty-two studies were included, comprising 51% retrospective cohort studies, mostly conducted in Asia (85%). HBsAg levels were shown to predict the long-term development of cirrhosis and HCC in patients who were untreated prior to and during follow-up; however, these data were inconclusive in mixed and treated populations. HBsAg titres were significantly associated with various virological markers including serum HBV DNA, HBcrAg, HBeAg, HBV RNA levels, intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and intrahepatic HBsAg expression. HBsAg titres generally declined over time; this decline was more pronounced in early (HBeAg-positive) than later disease phases (HBeAg-negative). Higher decline in HBsAg levels was consistently associated with subsequent HBsAg seroclearance and a greater decline in total intrahepatic HBV DNA and cccDNA levels. In conclusion, this review showed that HBsAg levels and rates of decline could inform assessment, management and prediction of outcomes in chronic HBV infection. Further studies in broader, more diverse populations and treated patients are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Joyeta Das
- Research and Development, GSK, Brentford, Middlesex, UK
| | - Vera Gielen
- Research and Development, GSK, Brentford, Middlesex, UK
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2
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Koutsianas C, Hadziyannis E, Thomas K, Deutsch M, Vassilopoulos D. Kinetics of quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen in patients with rheumatic disease and chronic hepatitis B receiving biologic agents. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1710-1718. [PMID: 34496105 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13610] [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: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The effect of biologic treatment on quantitative Hepatitis B surface Antigen (qHBsAg) levels and HBsAg clearance in rheumatic patients with chronic HBV infection has not been well studied. We prospectively followed rheumatic patients with HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection (n = 28) treated with biologics and oral antivirals, categorized into patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB, group A n = 13) and chronic HBV infection (group B n = 15) and matched them to appropriate non-rheumatic controls. qHBsAg kinetics were serially measured and compared between groups. No HBV reactivation (HBVr) was recorded during the 108.25 patient-year follow-up. Among patients with CHB, the annual rapid qHBsAg decline (i.e. decline >0.5 log10 IU/mL/year) as well as HBsAg clearance did not differ between rheumatic patients [n = 4 (32.7%), n = 1 (7.7%)] and controls [n = 6 (28.4%), p = .726 and n = 2 (7.7%), p = .818, respectively]. In contrast, there was a slower annual qHBsAg decline in rheumatic patients with chronic HBV compared to non-rheumatic controls (-0.04 vs -0.13 log10 IU/mL at year 1, p = .019) with no cases of rapid qHBsAg decline or HBsAg clearance in rheumatic patients (0%) compared to a cumulative incidence of 24% and a rate of 20%, respectively in controls. In biologic-treated rheumatic patients with HBeAg-negative HBV receiving antiviral prophylaxis, there was slower qHBsAg decline, lower cumulative rates of rapid qHBsAg decline and HBsAg clearance compared to non-rheumatic controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Koutsianas
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Emilia Hadziyannis
- 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Thomas
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Melanie Deutsch
- 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vassilopoulos
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece.,2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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3
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Jeng WJ, Liu YC, Peng CW, Chien RN, Liaw YF. Highly significant differences in HBsAg kinetics among patients with two types of hepatitis B flare, with and without retreatment. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 77:205-212. [PMID: 34618028 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Off-therapy hepatitis flare may be detrimental or, conversely, facilitate hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) decline. Retreatment decisions are crucial. METHODS HBsAg was quantified before and during flares, at peak/retreatment start and at Months 6 and 12 in 336 entecavir/tenofovir-retreated and 105 non-retreated hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients. Increasing HBsAg during ALT flare defined a 'virus-dominating flare' and decreasing HBsAg a 'host-dominating flare'. RESULTS Two hundred and eighty-eight retreated patients with a virus-dominating flare showed greater 1 year HBsAg decline (-1.0 versus -0.01 log10 IU/mL; P < 0.0001), more frequent rapid decline (69.8% versus 8.3%; P < 0001) and higher 3 year incidence of HBsAg < 100 IU/mL (32% versus 12%; P = 0.026) than 48 patients with a host-dominating flare, of whom 16 (33.3%) showed 3.8-fold (2 to 52-fold) HBsAg rebound on retreatment (versus 2/288; P < 0.0001). Compared with non-retreated controls, 1 year HBsAg decline was greater (-1.0 versus -0.47 log10 IU/mL; P < 0.0001) and faster (69.8% versus 42.5%; P < 0.0001) in patients with a virus-dominating flare, whereas 1 year HBsAg decline (-0.01 versus -0.16 log10 IU/mL) and 3 year HBsAg loss rate (0% versus 21%; P = 0.009) were lower in patients with a host-dominating flare. CONCLUSIONS Entecavir/tenofovir retreatment effectively decreases HBsAg level in patients with a virus-dominating flare but is ineffective/worse in patients with a host-dominating flare. These results support the use of combined HBsAg/ALT kinetics for the decision to retreat patients with a virus-dominating flare and withhold retreatment for patients with a host-dominating flare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juei Jeng
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Chun Liu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Wei Peng
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Fan Liaw
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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4
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Serum hepatitis B core-related antigen predicts hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B e antigen-negative patients. J Gastroenterol 2020; 55:899-908. [PMID: 32556643 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-020-01700-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) is a novel serum viral marker. Recent studies showed that its level correlates with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of serum HBsAg and HBcrAg levels at baseline to predict HCC. METHODS 1400 CHB patients who received nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) treatment since December 2005 were included. Their stored serum samples at baseline were retrieved to measure HBsAg and HBcrAg levels. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of HCC. RESULTS 85 (6.1%) patients developed HCC during a mean (± SD) follow-up duration of 45 ± 20 months. Serum HBcrAg level above 2.9 log10 U/mL at baseline was an independent factor for HCC in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients by multivariable analysis (adjusted hazard ratio 2.13, 95% CI 1.10-4.14, P = 0.025). HBcrAg above 2.9 log10 U/mL stratified the risk of HCC in HBeAg-negative patients with high PAGE-B score (P = 0.024 by Kaplan-Meier analysis), and possibly in cirrhotic patients (P = 0.08). Serum HBsAg level did not show any correlation with the risk of HCC in all patients or any subgroups. CONCLUSION Serum HBcrAg level predicts the risk of HCC accurately in NA-treated HBeAg-negative CHB patients.
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Wong GLH, Chan HLY, Yuen BWY, Tse YK, Luk HWS, Yip TCF, Hui VWK, Liang LY, Lee HW, Lui GCY, Wong VWS. The safety of stopping nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment in patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. Liver Int 2020; 40:549-557. [PMID: 31845462 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance after stopping nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) in European (19% in 2 years) and Asian (13% in 6 years) patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) vary dramatically. We evaluated the incidence of hepatitis flare and HBsAg seroclearance in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative Chinese CHB patients who had stopped NA. METHODS This was a territory-wide retrospective study in Hong Kong. We identified HBeAg-negative CHB patients from January 2000 to December 2017 who had stopped NA treatment for more than 3 months. Hepatitis flare was defined as ALT >2×ULN. RESULTS The 1076 patients were predominantly middle-aged men (mean age 52 years, male 74.8%) when starting NA; they stopped NA after 82 ± 35 months of treatment. At 44.3 ± 24.6 months after stopping NA, 147 (13.6%) patients had hepatitis flare, which led to resumption of NA; whereas 77 (7.2%) patients had flare but did not resume NA. Decompensation occurred in 7/914 (0.8%) patients. A total of 695 (64.6%) patients remained on NA treatment at the last visit. Eleven patients had achieved HBsAg seroclearance (6 of them had hepatitis flare and 1 of these 6 patients achieved HBsAg seroclearance after NA was restarted). Hepatic events developed in 75/695 (10.8%) patients who had NA resumed vs 43/381 (11.3%) patients who did not resume NA (P = .677). CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis flare and retreatment were common in HBeAg-negative CHB patients who stopped NA treatment; whereas HBsAg seroclearance rarely occurred. Stopping NA to achieve functional cure should not be recommended at this moment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace L-H Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Henry L-Y Chan
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Becky W-Y Yuen
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yee-Kit Tse
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hester W-S Luk
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Terry C-F Yip
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vicki W-K Hui
- Department of Statistics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lilian Y Liang
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hye-Won Lee
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Grace C-Y Lui
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vincent W-S Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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6
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Clinical utility of HBV surface antigen quantification in HBV e antigen-negative chronic HBV infection. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 16:631-641. [PMID: 31477873 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-019-0197-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious problem owing to its worldwide distribution and potential adverse sequelae that include cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Current antiviral therapies have much improved outcomes, but few patients achieve the ultimate goal of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss (functional cure). As hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic HBV infection is the final phase prior to HBsAg loss, the management of patients in this phase together with quantification of HBsAg has attracted increasing clinical and research interest. This Review integrates the findings from research in HBsAg kinetics and discusses how they might inform our understanding and management of HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection. Studies have shown that HBsAg levels are highly predictive of the presence of inactive HBV infection and that serial changes in HBsAg levels might predict HBsAg loss within 1-3 years. Data also suggest that quantitative HBsAg monitoring is important during hepatitis flare and antiviral therapy, especially in the timing of the decision to stop therapy and to start off-therapy retreatment. These findings have shed new light on the natural course of HBV infection and might lead to optimization of the management of HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection and contribute to the paradigm shift from indefinite to finite therapy for patients with HBV infection.
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7
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Jeng WJ, Chen YC, Liaw YF. Great and rapid HBsAg decline in patients with on-treatment hepatitis flare in early phase of potent antiviral therapy. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:421-428. [PMID: 29193573 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
HBsAg decline during nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in chronic hepatitis B with lower pretherapy ALT is usually small and slow. This study aimed to investigate why ~10% of such patients showed "rapid HBsAg decline" ≥0.5 log10 IU/mL by month 6 of therapy. Patients with persistent pretherapy ALT <5X ULN who had qHBsAg at baseline, months 6 and 12 of entecavir or tenofovir therapy were studied. "On-treatment ALT elevation" was defined as >10% increase above baseline to >2X ULN during first 6 months of therapy. Of the 256 patients treated, 51 experienced transient "on-treatment ALT elevation" [group A], including 30 (11.7%) with ALT elevation to 2-5X ULN [group A-1] and 21 (8.2%) flared to >5X ULN [group A-2]. The magnitude of qHBsAg decline and rate of "rapid HBsAg decline" by month 6 was significantly greater and more frequent in group A (-0.446 vs -0.042 log10 IU/mL; 45.1 vs 8.8%, respectively, P = 0.000) than in the remaining 205 patients without on-treatment ALT elevation (group B), being greatest in patients with hepatitis flare (group A-2: -0.559 log10 IU/mL and 57.1%, respectively). In patients with therapy ≥2 years, patients with "on-treatment ALT elevation" also showed significantly greater annual HBsAg decline, more frequent to <100 IU/mL and 4 times higher HBsAg seroclearance rate. "On-treatment ALT elevation," especially flare >5X ULN, during entecavir therapy or tenofovir therapy may enhance/accelerate HBsAg decline, suggesting the effect of immune restoration upon potent viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- W-J Jeng
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Y-C Chen
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Y-F Liaw
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Durantel D, Kusters I, Louis J, Manel N, Ottenhoff THM, Picot V, Saaadatian-Elahi M. Mechanisms behind TB, HBV, and HIV chronic infections. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 55:142-150. [PMID: 28919545 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Immune evasion is critical for pathogens to maintain their presence within hosts, giving rise to chronic infections. Here, we examine the immune evasion strategies employed by three pathogens with high medical burden, namely, tuberculosis, HIV and HBV. Establishment of chronic infection by these pathogens is a multi-step process that involves an interplay between restriction factor, innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Engagement of these host defences is intimately linked with specific steps within the pathogen replication cycles. Critical host factors are increasingly recognized to regulate immune evasion and susceptibility to disease. Fuelled by innovative technology development, the understanding of these mechanisms provides critical knowledge for rational design of vaccines and therapeutic immune strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Durantel
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM, U1052, CNRS, University of Lyon, UMR_5286, LabEx DEVweCAN, Lyon, France
| | - Inca Kusters
- Sanofi Pasteur, 2 Avenue du Pont Pasteur, 69367 Lyon Cedex 07, France
| | - Jacques Louis
- Fondation Mérieux, 17 rue Bourgelat, 69002 Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Manel
- Immunity and Cancer Department, Institute Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Tom H M Ottenhoff
- Group Immunology and Immunogenetics of Bacterial Infectious Diseases, Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Bldg. 1, Rm # C-05-43 Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mitra Saaadatian-Elahi
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Groupement Hospitalier Edouard Herriot, 5 Place d'Arsonval, 69437 Lyon Cedex 03, France.
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Jeng WJ, Chen YC, Chang ML, Liaw YF. α-Fetoprotein level-dependent early hepatitis B surface antigen decline during entecavir therapy in chronic hepatitis B with hepatitis flare. J Antimicrob Chemother 2016; 71:1601-8. [PMID: 26936920 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkw019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) reduction during nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy is related to ALT level. ALT reflects hepatocytolysis while α-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥100 ng/mL during hepatitis flare reflects more extensive hepatocytolysis (bridging hepatic necrosis). The impact of AFP levels on early HBsAg kinetics during entecavir therapy was investigated. METHODS HBsAg level was measured at baseline and months 6 and 12 of entecavir therapy in 149 chronic hepatitis B patients with hepatitis flare, defined as ALT ≥5× upper limit of normal (ULN), and 58 patients with ALT <5× ULN. RESULTS There was a significantly greater HBsAg reduction in an ALT (<5, 5-10, 10-20 and ≥20× ULN, P = 0.001) and AFP (<20, 20-99 and ≥100 ng/mL, P = 0.000) level-dependent manner. In hepatitis flares with a peak AFP level ≥20 ng/mL, the differences in HBsAg reduction across all ALT levels became non-significant. HBsAg reduction was greater in genotype B- than genotype C-infected patients with baseline ALT ≥20× ULN, but the difference became non-significant in those with peak AFP ≥100 ng/mL. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that AFP level ≥100 ng/mL, baseline HBsAg level and genotype B were independent significant factors for greater HBsAg decline at month 6 of entecavir therapy. CONCLUSIONS During entecavir therapy, early HBsAg reduction increased in an AFP and ALT level-dependent manner, suggesting the impact of hepatocytolysis rather than nucleos(t)ide analogue per se. Notably, a higher AFP level during hepatitis flare, reflecting more extensive hepatic necrosis, was a more powerful factor than ALT and genotype for greater HBsAg decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juei Jeng
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cheng Chen
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ling Chang
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Fan Liaw
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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10
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Nagaoka S, Abiru S, Komori A, Sasaki R, Bekki S, Hashimoto S, Saeki A, Yamasaki K, Migita K, Nakamura M, Ezaki H, Yatsuhashi H. Hepatic flares promote rapid decline of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in patients with HBsAg seroclearance: A long-term follow-up study. Hepatol Res 2016; 46:E89-99. [PMID: 25951079 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM Serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance is one of the ultimate goals of management of chronic hepatitis B. We investigated the kinetics of serum HBsAg before HBsAg seroclearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 392 Japanese chronic hepatitis B patients who had been followed for 5 years or more between 1980 and 2000. Serum HBsAg levels were measured annually using chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS During a median follow up of 14 years, 50 patients demonstrated HBsAg seroclearance (annual incidence rate, 0.91%). Multivariate analysis with baseline characteristics revealed that HBsAg of less than 3.3 log IU/mL (hazard ratio [HR], 2.22; P = 0.008) and treatment with nucleoside/nucleotide analog (HR, 0.12; P = 0.001) were independent predictive factors for seroclearance. The median HBsAg levels at 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 year prior to seroclearance were 3.89, 2.84, 1.84, 0.78 and -1.10 log IU/mL, respectively. The rapid decline group, comprising patients who achieved HBsAg seroclearance within 5 years after confirmed HBsAg levels of 2 log IU/mL, demonstrated: (i) high alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels; and (ii) a low frequency of liver cirrhosis progression. A significant reduction in annual HBsAg levels was found in years marked by at least one ALT flare (ALT ≥200 IU/L) (flare [+], n = 62) than in those without (flare [-], n = 323) (0.29 vs 0.17 log IU/mL/year, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION Hepatic flares promoted rapid declines and greater annual reductions of HBsAg levels in patients with HBsAg seroclearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Nagaoka
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Seigo Abiru
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Atsumasa Komori
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Ryu Sasaki
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shigemune Bekki
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Satoru Hashimoto
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akira Saeki
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazumi Yamasaki
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Migita
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Minoru Nakamura
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hironori Ezaki
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yatsuhashi
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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11
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Wong GLH, Chan HLY, Chan HY, Tse CH, Chim AML, Lo AOS, Wong VWS. Serum interferon-inducible protein 10 levels predict hepatitis B s antigen seroclearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 43:145-53. [PMID: 26526395 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B s antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance is regarded as the optimal virological end-point. AIM To investigate the dynamic changes in serum cytokine levels around the time of HBsAg seroclearance. METHODS This was a case-control study. Consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who lost HBsAg were matched with those remained positive for HBsAg with same age, gender, HBeAg status and presence of cirrhosis in 1:2 ratio. Relevant serum cytokines [interleukin (IL)-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21 interferon-γ, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10)] were assayed at the time (Year 0) and 3 years before (Year -3) HBsAg seroclearance. RESULTS Seventy-one and 142 CHB patients who did and did not achieve HBsAg seroclearance were included. Mean age was 48 ± 11 years; 76% were male, 20% had positive HBeAg, 99 (46%) patients received anti-viral therapy, and mean baseline HBV DNA was 3.78 ± 2.28 log IU/mL vs. 4.36 ± 2.13 log IU/mL respectively (P = 0.05). In those who achieved HBsAg seroclearance, serum IL-15 and GM-CSF levels decreased significantly from Year -3 to Year 0 (P = 0.017 and 0.05 respectively). When compared to controls, only serum IP-10 level was significantly lower at Year 0 than at Year -3 in patients with HBsAg seroclearance. Lower serum IP-10 level at Year 0 was the only factor associated with HBsAg seroclearance. There was no correlation between serum IP-10 and HBsAg levels around the time of HBsAg seroclearance. CONCLUSION Lower serum IP-10 level at Year 0 was the only factor associated with HBsAg seroclearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- G L-H Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - H L-Y Chan
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - H-Y Chan
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - C-H Tse
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - A M-L Chim
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - A O-S Lo
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - V W-S Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Seto WK, Hui AJ, Wong VWS, Wong GLH, Liu KSH, Lai CL, Yuen MF, Chan HLY. Treatment cessation of entecavir in Asian patients with hepatitis B e antigen negative chronic hepatitis B: a multicentre prospective study. Gut 2015; 64:667-72. [PMID: 24833635 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2014-307237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The off-treatment durability of nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in Asian hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and the role of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels in predicting off-treatment durability has not been well investigated. METHODS Following Asia-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines, entecavir was stopped in Asian HBeAg negative patients treated for ≥ 2 years with undetectable HBV DNA levels on ≥ 3 separate occasions 6 months apart before treatment cessation. HBsAg and HBV DNA levels were prospectively monitored every 6-12 weeks for 48 weeks. Entecavir was restarted if there was virologic relapse (defined as HBV DNA >2000IU/mL). RESULT 184 patients (mean age 53.9 years, 67.9% male) were recruited. The cumulative rate of virologic relapse at 24 and 48 weeks was 74.2% and 91.4%, respectively. The median HBV DNA level at virologic relapse was 11000 (range 2115 to >1.98×10(8)) IU/mL. 42 (25.8%) patients had elevated alanine aminotransferase (median level 97 U/L, range 37-1058 U/L) during virologic relapse. Mean rate of off-treatment HBsAg decline was 0.018 (± 0.456) log IU/mL/year. No patients cleared HBsAg. There was no correlation between off-treatment serial HBsAg and HBV DNA levels (r=-0.026, p=0.541). HBsAg levels at the time of entecavir commencement, entecavir cessation and the subsequent rate of HBsAg reduction were not associated with virologic relapse (all p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Entecavir cessation in Asian HBeAg negative CHB resulted in high rates of virologic relapse, suggesting nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy should be continued indefinitely until the recognised treatment endpoint of HBsAg seroclearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Aric Josun Hui
- Department of Medicine, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Hong Kong
| | | | - Grace Lai-Hung Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Ching-Lung Lai
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Henry Lik-Yuen Chan
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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