Time-varying serum gradient of hepatitis B surface antigen predicts risk of relapses after off-NA therapy
Journal
BMC Gastroenterology
Journal Volume
17
Journal Issue
1
Pages
154
Date Issued
2017
Author(s)
Chien N.-H.
Huang Y.-T.
Wu C.-Y.
Chang C.-Y.
Mo L.-R.
Tai C.-M.
Lin C.-W.
Yang T.-H.
Lin J.-T.
Hsu Y.-C.
Abstract
Background: The serum gradient of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) varies over time after cessation of nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The association between the time-varying HBsAg serum gradient and risk of relapse has not been elucidated. Methods: This multicenter cohort study prospectively enrolled CHB patients who discontinued 3 year-NA treatment. Eligible patients were serologically negative for HBeAg and viral DNA at NA cessation. The participants (n=140) were followed every 3 months through HBsAg quantification. Virological and clinical relapses were defined as viral DNA levels >2000 IU/mL and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels >80 U/mL, respectively. The association of time-varying HBsAg levels with relapses was assessed through a time-dependent Cox analysis. Results: During a median follow-up of 19.9 (interquartile range [IQR], 10.6-25.3) months, virological and clinical relapses occurred in 94 and 49 patients, with a 2-year cumulative incidence of 79.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70.9%-86.4%) and 42.9% (95% CI, 34.1%-52.8%), respectively. The serum level of HBsAg was associated with virological (P<0.001) and clinical (P=0.01) relapses in a dose-response manner, with adjusted hazard ratios of 2.10 (95% CI, 1.45-3.04) and 2.32 (95% CI, 1.28-4.21). Among the patients (n=19) whose HBsAg levels ever dropped below 10 IU/mL, only one and three patients subsequently developed clinical and virological relapses. Conclusion: The serum gradient of HBsAg measured throughout the off-therapy observation is associated with the subsequent occurrence of virological and clinical relapses in CHB patients who discontinue NA treatment. ? 2017 The Author(s).
SDGs
Other Subjects
adenine nucleotide derivative; alanine aminotransferase; alpha fetoprotein; hepatitis B surface antigen; hepatitis B(e) antigen; purine nucleoside derivative; virus DNA; alanine aminotransferase; antivirus agent; hepatitis B surface antigen; virus DNA; adult; age; alanine aminotransferase blood level; Article; blood level; chronic hepatitis B; clinical outcome; cohort analysis; controlled study; correlational study; drug withdrawal; female; follow up; human; major clinical study; male; predictive value; prospective study; quantitative analysis; recurrence risk; blood; chronic hepatitis B; clinical trial; dose response; immunology; middle aged; multicenter study; recurrent disease; risk factor; treatment withdrawal; Adult; Alanine Transaminase; Antiviral Agents; Cohort Studies; DNA, Viral; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; Hepatitis B, Chronic; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Recurrence; Risk Factors; Withholding Treatment
Publisher
BioMed Central Ltd.
Type
journal article