Hepatitis B surface antigen seroconversion after HBV reactivation in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus(HBV)can occur in lymphoma patients infected with HBV when they receive chemotherapy or immunotherapy.Prophylactic administration of lamivudine(LAM)reduces the morbidity and mortality associated with HBV reactivation.However,what defines HBV reactivation and the optimal duration of treatment with LAM have not yet been clearly established.HBV reactivation may occur due to the cessation of prophylactic LAM,although re-treatment with nucleoside analogs may sometimes result in hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)seroconversion,which is a satisfactory endpoint for the management of HBV infection.We report a case of HBV reactivation in a 68-year-old HBsAg-positive patient who received rituximab-based immunochemotherapy for follicular lymphoma.HBV reactivation developed following cessation of prophylactic LAM therapy.The patient subsequently received treatment with entecavir(ETV),which led to a rapid and sustained suppression of HBV replication and HBsAg seroconversion.We also appraised the literature concerning HBV reactivation and the role of ETV in the management of HBV reactivation in lymphoma patients.A total of 28 cases of HBV reactivation have been reported as having been treated with ETV during or after immunosuppressive chemotherapy in lymphoma patients.We conclude that ETV is an efficacious and safe treatment for HBV reactivation following LAM cessation in lymphoma patients treated with rituximab-based immunochemotherapy.     

慢性乙型肝炎患者持续应用恩替卡韦治疗3年的疗效

目的 研究恩替卡韦(ETV)治疗慢性乙型肝炎初治患者3年的病毒学、血清学和生物化学的应答情况,以评价其疗效.方法 本研究分两个阶段:第一阶段为ETV和拉米夫定(LAM)的双盲随机对照试验,各有258例和261例入选,分别用ETV 0.5 mg/d或LAM 100 mg/d口服,共96周.第二阶段:经96周治疗,患者如未达到综合应答(bDNA<0.7 mEq/ml,HBeAg阴转持续24周以上.ALT<1.25 X正常值上限)者,或出现病毒学突破或停药后复发者,继续服用ETV1.0 mg/d 48周.共有160例患者完成了连续3年的ETV治疗.持续变量的比较采用了基于线性回归模型的t检验.结果第一阶段结束时(96周),ETV和LAM治疗组患者的HBV DNA阴转率(HBV DNA<300拷贝/ml),ALT复常率和HBeAg血清转换率分别为:79%对比46%(P<0.01),96%对比92%(P=0.06)和21%对比23%.第二阶段:160例持续ETV治疗3年,第144周时,HBV DNA阴性(<300拷贝/ml)的比例为89%,ALT复常率86%,3年的累计HBeAg血清转换率为27%.耐药性:3例在96周时出现了基因型耐药,另有2例在第96～144周时出现了基因型耐药.ETV的耐受性良好,不良反应与LAM相似,但ETV组较少出现ALT反弹.结论 3年的临床试验表明ETV是强效的抗HBV药物,其抑制HBV复制和低耐药性明显优于LAM.     

Hepatitis B virus reactivation in hepatitis B virus surface antigen negative patients receiving immunosuppression: A hidden threat

AIM: To present the characteristics and the course of a series of anti- hepatitis B virus core antibody (HBc) antibody positive patients, who experienced hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after immunosuppression. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated in our tertiary centers the medical records of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) negative patients who suffered from HBV reactivation after chemotherapy or immunosuppression during a 3-year period (2009-2011). Accordingly, the clinical, laboratory and virological characteristics of 10 anti-HBc (+) anti-HBs (-)/HBsAg (-) and 4 anti-HBc (+)/antiHBs (+)/HBsAg (-) patients, who developed HBV reactivation after the initiation of chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment were analyzed. Quantitative determination of HBV DNA during reactivation was performed in all cases by a quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction kit (COBAS Taqman HBV Test; cut-off of detection: 6 IU/mL). RESULTS: Twelve out of 14 patients were males; median age 74.5 years. In 71.4% of them the primary diagnosis was hematologic malignancy; 78.6% had received rituximab (R) as part of the immunosuppressive regimen. The median time from last chemotherapy schedule till HBV reactivation for 10 out of 11 patients who received R was 3 (range 2-17) mo. Three patients (21.4%) deteriorated, manifesting ascites and hepatic encephalopathy and 2 (14.3%) of them died due to liver failure. CONCLUSION: HBsAg-negative anti-HBc antibody positive patients can develop HBV reactivation even 2 years after stopping immunosuppression, whereas prompt antiviral treatment on diagnosis of reactivation can be lifesaving.     

Hepatitis B surface antigen clearance in inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carriers treated with peginterferon alfa-2a

AIM: To examine the association between interferon(IFN) therapy and loss of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBs Ag) in inactive HBs Ag carriers. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study in inactive HBs Ag carriers, who were treatment-naive, with a serum HBs Ag level 100 IU/m L and an undetectable hepatitis B virus(HBV) DNA level( 100 IU/m L). All the 20 treated patients received subcutaneous PEG-IFN alfa-2a 180 μg/wk for 72 wk and were then followed for 24 wk. There were 40 untreated controls matched with 96 wk of observation. Serum HBs Ag, HBV DNA, and alanine aminotransferases were monitored every 3 mo in the treatment group and every 3-6 mo in the control group. RESULTS: Thirteen(65.0%) of 20 treated patients achieved HBs Ag loss, 12 of whom achieved HBs Ag seroconversion. Mean HBs Ag level in treated patients decreased to 6.69 ± 13.04 IU/m L after 24 wk of treatment from a baseline level of 26.22 ± 33.00 IU/m L. Serum HBV DNA level remained undetectable( 100 IU/m L) in all treated patients during the study. HBs Ag level of the control group decreased from 25.72 ± 25.58 IU/m L at baseline to 17.11 ± 21.62 IU/m L at week 96(P = 0.108). In the control group, no patient experienced HBs Ag loss/seroconversion, and two(5.0%) developed HBV reactivation.CONCLUSION: IFN treatment results in HBs Ag loss and seroconversion in a considerable proportion of inactive HBs Ag carriers with low HBs Ag concentrations.     

核苷(酸)类似物抗乙型肝炎病毒达到治疗终点标准停药后复发的相关因素分析

目的 探讨影响核苷(酸)类似物(NA)治疗慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者达到治疗终点标准(达标)停药后复发的相关因素.方法 CHB患者81例,接受NA抗病毒治疗.拉米夫定(LAM)治疗38例,阿德福韦酯(ADV)25例,恩替卡韦(ETV)12例,LAM+ADV 6例.HBeAg阳性40例,NA初治患者67例,耐药复治14例.达标停药或延长疗程后停药,分别于基线、病毒学应答前每个月、病毒学应答后每3个月、停药后半年内每个月、半年后每2个月检测HBV DNA、HBV血清学标志物和ALT.将性别、年龄、乙型肝炎家族史、基线HBV DNA、基线HBeAg、基线ALT、病毒学应答时间、总疗程(月)、延长疗程(月)、初治或耐药复治、停药时HBsAg水平、药物种类共12个可能影响复发的因素进行单因素、多因素Cox比例风险模型和分层分析,累计复发率采用Kaplan-Meier法计算.结果 81例患者达标停药后,36例患者在1年内复发,占44.4%.初治或耐药复治、乙型肝炎家族史、病毒学应答时间、停药时HBsAg水平分别是影响停药后复发的独立危险因素.耐药复治者复发率高于初治患者(78.6%比37.3%,χ2=7.983,P=0.005),有乙型肝炎家族史的患者复发率高于无乙型肝炎家族史者(64.5%比15.0%,χ2=12.096,P=0.002),病毒学应答发生在3个月内的患者复发率低于发生在3个月后的患者(34.0%比64.3%,χ2=6.823,P=0.009),停药时HBsAg≤150μg/L的患者复发率低于>150μg/L者(27.6%比53.8%,χ2=5.199,P=0.023).结论 耐药复治、有乙型肝炎家族史、病毒学应答时间晚、停药时高水平HBsAg是导致NA治疗停药后复发的主要因素.对此类患者治疗达标后应适当延长疗程,巩固疗效.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the influence factors on hepatitis B virus (HBV) relapse after nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) withdrawal in the chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who met NA cessation criteria. Methods Eighty-one consecutive CHB patients were treated with NA, 38 with lamivudine (LAM), 25 with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV), 12 with entecavir (ETV), 6 with LAM +ADV. Among recruited patients, 40 were hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg) positive, 41 were HBeAg negative, 67 of them were initial treatment, 14 were retreatment due to resistance to NA at baseline. The treatment was discontinued after meeting China therapeutic end-point criteria. HBV DNA, HBV serological markers, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured respectively at baseline, every month before virological response, every 3 months after virological response, every month within first 6 months and every 2 months over 6 months after drugs withdrawal. Twelve probable influence factors on relapse which were sex, age, HBV family history, baseline HBV DNA,baseline HBeAg status, baseline ALT, virological response time, total duration of treatment, duration of additional treatment, the level of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) at cessation therapy,initial treatment or retreatment, drug category were analyzed with univariate, multivariate Cox regression modle and stratified analysis. The cumulative relapse was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results A total of 36 patients (44. 4%) relapsed within 1 year. Initial treatment or retreatment, HBV family history, virological response time, the level of HBsAg at cessation therapy were independent risk factors. The relapse rate of retreatment was higher than that of initial treatment (78.6% vs 37. 3% , χ2 = 7. 983, P = 0. 005) , those of patients with HBV family history higher than without family history (64. 5% vs 15.0%, χ2 =12. 096,P = 0.002), those of patients obtained virological response within 3 months lower than after 3 months(34. 0% vs 64. 3% , χ2 =6. 823,P=0. 009) , those of patients with HBsAg≤150 μg/L at cessation therapy lower than >150 μg/L(27. 6% vs 53. 8%, χ2=5. 199,P=0. 023). Conclusions Retreatment, HBV family history, later virological response and higher HBsAg level at cessation therapy are risk factors of relapse after NA withdrawal. Such patients should be treated with prolonged duration after meeting end-point criteria to strengthen the efficacy.     

恩替卡韦治疗慢性乙型肝炎过程中应答不佳相关因素分析

目的探讨年龄、性别、体质量指数(BMI)、治疗前HBV DNA载量、ALT、AST、APTT、PT、HBsAg定量、HBeAg定量、P区基因变异、治疗过程中ALT、AST、HBV DNA下降幅度等因素在恩替卡韦治疗慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)过程中与应答不佳的关系。方法选择128例CHB患者,HBeAg阳性患者84例,HBeAg阴性患者44例。均初次使用恩替卡韦进行抗病毒治疗。治疗前检测上述基线因素及P区变异,治疗过程中ALT、AST、HBV DNA下降幅度等指标。在治疗后4、12、24周分别检测HBV DNA、ALT、AST、HBsAg定量、HBeAg定量。根据治疗24周时HBV DNA载量,分为完全应答组(HBV DNA最低检测值下限)和应答不佳组(HBV DNA下降2 lg,但仍﹥最低检测值下限)。统计分析上述指标与治疗应答的关系。结果年龄、性别、APTT、PT、ALT、AST与治疗应答无明显相关性(P0.05)。BMI、治疗前HBV DNA载量、HBsAg定量与治疗应答呈负相关,BMI高、高HBV DNA载量、HBsAg高水平患者多应答不佳(P0.05)。HBeAg阳性为应答不佳的危险因素(OR=5.431;r=0.358)。HBeAg阳性患者,治疗24周时,应答不佳组HBV DNA下降幅度大(P0.05),rtM204V/I变异率10%时易出现应答不佳(P0.05),rtL180M变异与应答无明显相关性(P0.05)。HBeAg阴性患者,治疗12周时,完全应答组HBV DNA下降幅度大(P0.05),rtM204V/I变异,rtL180M变异均与应答无明显相关性(P0.05)。结论 BMI高、治疗前高HBV DNA载量、HBsAg定量高水平、HBeAg阳性、rtM204V/I变异率10%的HBeAg阳性慢性乙型肝炎患者应用恩替卡韦抗病毒治疗时易出现应答不佳。     

Veterans health administration hepatitis B testing and treatment with anti-CD20 antibody administration

AIM: To evaluate pretreatment hepatitis B virus(HBV) testing, vaccination, and antiviral treatment rates in Veterans Affairs patients receiving anti-CD20 Ab for quality improvement.METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study using a national repository of Veterans Health Administration(VHA) electronic health record data. We identified all patients receiving anti-CD20 Ab treatment(2002-2014). We ascertained patient demographics, laboratory results, HBV vaccination status(from vaccination records), pharmacy data, and vital status. The high risk period for HBV reactivation is during antiCD20 Ab treatment and 12 mo follow up. Therefore, we analyzed those who were followed to death or for at least 12 mo after completing anti-CD20 Ab. Pretreatment serologic tests were used to categorize chronic HBV(hepatitis B surface antigen positive or HBs Ag+), past HBV(HBs Ag-, hepatitis B core antibody positive or HBc Ab+), resolved HBV(HBs Ag-, HBc Ab+, hepatitis B surface antibody positive or HBs Ab+), likely prior vaccination(isolated HBs Ab+), HBV negative(HBs Ag-, HBc Ab-), or unknown. Acute hepatitis B was defined by the appearance of HBs Ag+ in the high risk period in patients who were pretreatment HBV negative. We assessed HBV antiviral treatment and the incidence of hepatitis, liver failure, and death during the high risk period. Cumulative hepatitis, liver failure, and death after anti-CD20 Ab initiation were compared by HBV disease categories and differences compared using the χ2 test. Mean time to hepatitis peak alanine aminotransferase, liver failure, and death relative to anti-CD20 Ab administration and follow-up were also compared by HBV disease group.RESULTS: Among 19304 VHA patients who received anti-CD20 Ab, 10224(53%) had pretreatment HBs Ag testing during the study period, with 49% and 43% tested for HBs Ag and HBc Ab, respectively within 6 mo pretreatment in 2014. Of those tested, 2%(167/10224) had chronic HBV, 4%(326/7903) past HBV, 5%(427/8110) resolved HBV, 8%(628/8110) likely prior HBV vaccination, and 76%(6022/7903) were HBV negative. In those with chronic HBV infection, ≤ 37% received HBV antiviral treatment during the high risk period while 21% to 23% of those with past or resolved HBV, respectively, received HBV antiviral treatment. During and 12 mo after anti-CD20 Ab, the rate of hepatitis was significantly greater in those HBV positive vs negative(P = 0.001). The mortality rate was 35%-40% in chronic or past hepatitis B and 26%-31% in hepatitis B negative. In those pretreatment HBV negative, 16(0.3%) developed acute hepatitis B of 4947 tested during anti-CD20 Ab treatment and followup. CONCLUSION: While HBV testing of Veterans has increased prior to anti-CD20 Ab, few HBV+ patients received HBV antivirals, suggesting electronic health record algorithms may enhance health outcomes.     

Management of patients with hepatitis B in special populations

The development of effective nucleos(t)ide analogs(NAs)against hepatitis B virus(HBV)has improved the outcome of patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB).This review updates issues related to the management of CHB patients included in special populations.Entecavir(ETV)and tenofovir(TDF)represent the currently recommended first-line NAs in patients with HBV decompensated cirrhosis.The combination of HBV immunoglobulin(usually for a finite duration)and NA is considered the standard of care for prophylaxis against HBV recurrence after liver transplantation.TDF is the best choice for hemodialysis patients and in patients with chronic kidney disease with nucleoside resistance.ETV and telbivudine are the preferred options in na?ve renal transplant recipients and with low viremia levels,respectively.All hepatitis B surface antigen(HBs Ag)-positive candidates should be treated with NAs before renal transplantation to achieve undetectable HBV DNA at the time of transplantation.Conventional interferon or NAs can also be used in children,on the basis of well-established therapeutic indication.Pregnant women at high risk of perinatal transmission could be treated with lamivudine,telbivudine or TDF in the last trimester of pregnancy.HBs Ag-positive patients under immunosuppression should receive NA preemptively(regardless of HBV DNA levels)up to 12 mo after its cessation.In HBs Ag negative,anti-HBc positive patients under immunosuppression,further studies are needed to form a final conclusion;however,it seems that anti-HBV prophylaxis is justified in such patients with hematological diseases and/or for those receiving rituximab-containing regimens,regardless of their antiHBs or serum HBV DNA status.     

拉米夫定治疗e抗原阴性慢性乙型肝炎的早期预测指标分析

目的 评价拉米夫定(LAM)治疗e抗原阴性慢性乙型肝炎患者治疗前基线ALT、HBsAg、HBV DNA水平以及治疗4周和12周时HBV DNA<1×10~3拷贝/ml对其治疗104周时抗HBV疗效的预测价值. 方法 127例成年e抗原阴性慢性乙型肝炎患者均接受LAM 100 mg/d治疗,且均完成≥104周的治疗.治疗期间定期复查肝功能、HBV标志物(HBsAg、抗-HBs,HBeAg、抗-HBe、抗-HBc)及HBV DNA水平.分别比较和分析不同基线ALT、HBsAg、HBV DNA水平及治疗4周和12周时不同HBV DNA水平与治疗104周时疗效的关系.数据采用x~2检验及多元逐步Logistic回归分析.结果 基线ALT<5×正常值上限(ULN)和ALT≥5×ULN两组患者,治疗104周血清HBV DNA<1×10~3拷贝/ml的比例分别为50.0%和86.8%(P<0.01).基线HBsAg<2000 COI和HBsAg≥2000 COI两组患者,治疗104周时HBsAg<500 COI的比例分别为19.1%和17.5%(P>0.05);HBsAg/抗-HBS血清学转换率分别为2.1%和2.5%(P>0.05),血清HBV DNA<1×10~3拷贝/ml的比例分别为61.7%和67.5%(P>0.05).基线HBV DNA<1×10~6拷贝/ml和HBV DNA≥1×10~6拷贝/ml两组患者,至治疗4周和12周时HBV DNA<1×10~3拷贝/ml的比例差异均有统计学意义(P值均<0.01),但至治疗104周时HBV DNA<1×10~3拷贝/ml的比例分别为62.7%和67.1%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).治疗4周时HBVDNA<1×10~3拷贝/ml和HBV DNA≥1×10~3拷贝/ml两组患者,104周时HBV DNA<1×10~3拷贝/ml的比例分别为70.7%和60.9%(P>0.05);治疗12周时HBV DNA<1×10~3拷贝/ml和HBV DNA≥1×10~3拷贝/ml两组患者,104周时HBV DNA<1×10~3拷贝/ml的比例分别为78.8%和38.1%(P<0.01).结论 基线ALT≥5×ULN和治疗12周HBV DNA<1×10~3拷贝/ml的e抗原阴性慢性乙型肝炎患者用LAM继续治疗至104周时可以取得较好的病毒学应答.治疗前不同基线HBsAg水平对治疗104周时HBsAg的水平、HBsAg/抗-HBs血清学转换率和HBV载量的预测价值不大;基线HBV DNA水平对104周时是否获得病毒学应答的预测价值也不大.     

Sequential changes of serum ferritin levels and their clinical significance in lamivudine-treated patients with chronic viral hepatitis B

AIM: To study the sequential changes of serum ferritin levels in lamivudine-treated patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and the clinical implications. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with chronic viral hepatitis B were prospectively studied during their treatment with lamivudine. Each patient received 100 mg oral lamivudine daily for 12 mo, and was observed and tested for blood biochemistry and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels and serum ferritin levels at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 mo during the treatment. Serum HBV DNA levels were quantitatively determined using fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR), and serum ferritin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The sequential changes of serum ferdtin levels and their relationships with virological, serological and biochemical responses in the patients were analyzed. RESULTS: All the patients had a baseline HBV DNA level higher than 1&#215;10^7 copies/L as determined by FQ-PCR and positive HBsAg and HBeAg and abnormal ALT levels. At the end of the 12-mo treatment, 19 of the 38(50.00%) patients had undetectable serum HBV DNA levels by FQ-PCR, and 12(31.58%) became negative for serum HSeAg and 10(26.32%) had seroconversion from HBeAg to HBeAb. Nineteen out of the 38(50.00%) patients had biochemically normal ALT levels after 12-mo lamivudine treatment. Sequential determination showed bhat lamivudine treatment significantly reduced ferritin levels in chronic hepatitis B patients. When the patients were divided into different groups according to their posttreatment virological, serological and biochemical responses for analysis of the sequential changes of ferritin levels, it was found bhat the decrease of ferritin levels in HBV DNA-negative group was significantly more obvious than that in HBV DNApositive group at 6 mo during the treatment (P=-0.013). Consecutive comparisons showed that ferritin levels at 3 mo of treatment were obviously decreased as compared with the baseline levels (P&lt;0.05) in HBeAg-negative group, and the decrease of serum ferritin levels in patients with normalized ALT was more significant than that in patients with abnormal ALT at the end of the 12-mo treatment (P=0.048). CONCLUSION: Lamivudine treatment can reduce the serum ferritin levels in chronic viral hepatitis B patients and decreases of ferdtin levels can be more significant in patients exhibiting virological, serological and biochemical responses, indicating that dynamic observation of serum ferritin levels in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B during lamivudine treatment might be helpful for monitoring and predicting patients‘ responses to the therapy.     

Management of psoriasis patients with hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus infection

The systemic therapies available for the management of Psoriasis(PsO) patients who cannot be treated with more conservative options, such as topical agents and/or phototherapy, with the exception of acitretin, can worsen or reactivate a chronic infection. Therefore, before administering immunosuppressive therapies with either conventional disease-modifying drugs(c DMARDs) or biological ones(b DMARDs) it is mandatory to screen patients for some infections, including hepatitis B virus(HBV) and hepatitis C virus(HCV). In particular, the patients eligible to receive an immunosuppressive drug must be screened for the following markers: antibody to hepatitis B core, antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen(anti-HBs Ag), HBs Ag, and antibody to HCV(anti-HCV). In case HBV or HCV infection is diagnosed, a close collaboration with a consultant hepatologist is needed before and during an immunosuppressive therapy. Concerning therapy with immunosuppressive drugs in PsO patients with HBV or HCV infection, data exist mainly for cyclosporine a(Cy A) or b DMARDs(etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, ustekinumab). The natural history of HBV and HCV infection differs significantly as well as the effect of immunosuppression on the aforementioned infectious diseases. As a rule, in the case of active HBV infection, systemic immunosuppressive antipsoriatic therapies must be deferred until the infection is controlled with an adequate antiviral treatment. Inactive carriers need to receive antiviral prophylaxis 2-4 wk before starting immunosuppressive therapy, to be continued after 6-12 mo from its suspension. Due to the risk of HBV reactivation, these patients should be monitored monthly for the first 3 mo and then every 3 mo for HBV DNA load together with transaminases levels. Concerning the patients who are occult HBV carriers, the risk of HBV reactivation is very low. Therefore, these patients generally do not need antiviral prophylaxis and the sera HBs Ag and transaminases dosing can be monitored every 3 mo. Concerning PsO patients with chronic HCV infection their management with immunosuppressive drugs is less problematic as compared to those infected by HBV.In fact, HCV reactivation is an extremely rare event after administration of drugs such as CyA or tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors. As a rule, these patients can be monitored measuring HCV RNA load, and ALT, aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl-transferase, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, albumin and platelet every 3-6 mo. The present article provides an updated overview based on more recently reported data on monitoring and managing PsO patients who need systemic antipsoriatic treatment and have HBV or HCV infection as comorbidity.     

Possible efficacy of lamivudine treatment to prevent hepatitis B virus reactivation due to rituximab therapy in a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

We used regimens containing rituximab in the treatment of five hepatitis B virus surface antibody (HBsAb)-positive patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Serum levels of HBsAb were obtained and analyzed in four of these patients. Two patients were HBs antigen (HBsAg) positive. One of these HBsAg-positive patients was treated with lamivudine because the patient developed fulminant hepatitis from hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection prior to chemotherapy. However, none of the other patients were administered lamivudine. An HBsAg-positive patient who did not receive lamivudine treatment later developed fulminant hepatitis. Another HBsAg-positive patient receiving lamivudine prophylaxis did not develop severe hepatitis arising from HBV. In the three patients not receiving lamivudine treatment, serum HBsAb titers decreased soon after the administration of rituximab. These results suggest that rituximab reduced the antibody titer for HBV, thus inducing an immunological environment leading to easy reactivation of HBV. Lamivudine prophylaxis was effective, at least when rituximab was given to an HBsAg-positive patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.     

Relapse rates in chronic hepatitis B naïve patients after discontinuation of antiviral therapy with entecavir

Registration studies show entecavir (ETV) to be effective and safe in NUC‐naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B, but relapse rates after treatment discontinuation have not been well established. Relapse rates and predictors of relapse were evaluated in naïve HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative patients treated with ETV. Treatment duration was defined according to international guidelines. Virological relapse was defined as reappearance in serum of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA to >2000 IU/mL after discontinuation of treatment. A hundred and sixty‐nine consecutive patients were treated for a median 181 weeks. 61% were HBeAg positive, 23% had cirrhosis, and mean HBV DNA level was 6.88 ± 1.74 log₁₀ IU/mL. Ninety‐two per cent became HBV DNA negative; 71% of HBeAg+ve patients became HBeAg negative and 68% anti‐HBe positive; 14% became HBsAg negative and 13% anti‐HBs positive. At the end of the study, 36 patients discontinued treatment: one due to breakthrough associated with resistant variants and 35 (20%) due to sustained virological response; 33 of these patients developed HBeAg seroconversion and 18 HBsAg seroconversion. Median off‐treatment time was 69 weeks. Nine patients (26%), all HBeAg positive at baseline, developed virological relapse after a median 48 weeks off‐treatment, 3 of them showed HBeAg reversion and 4 lost anti‐HBe. No patient with HBsAg seroconversion relapsed. HBeAg clearance after week 48 of treatment was associated with an increase risk of relapse. After ETV discontinuation, HBsAg seroconversion was maintained in 100% of the patients, HBeAg seroconversion maintained in 90%, and virological relapse rate was 24%.     

恩替卡韦或其联合阿德福韦酯补救治疗拉米夫定联合阿德福韦酯应答不佳的慢性乙型肝炎

目的 对拉米夫定(LAM)初治耐药后,LAM联合阿德福韦酯(ADV)应答不佳的慢性乙型肝炎患者,分别采用恩替卡韦(ETV)单药或ETV联合ADV进行补救治疗,比较两种补救方案的疗效.方法 对LAM初治耐药后应用LAM联合ADV应答不佳的40例患者,分别应用ETV 1.0 mg/d(14例)及ETV 0.5 mg/d联合ADV 10mg/d (26例)两种方案进行补救治疗,至少观察48周,定期监测HBV DNA、肝肾功能、HBV标志物等指标.根据资料不同分别采用t检验Wilcoxon检验或x2检验.结果 两组患者采用补救治疗前的基线情况差异无统计学意义.分别采用两种补救方案治疗后,两组患者HBV DNA水平均有下降,但ETV联合ADV组下降幅度较大.补救治疗24周时,ETV 1,0mg组有28.6％％(4例)达到HBV DNA转阴,ETV联合ADV组则有80.8％ (21例)达到HBV DNA转阴,x2=8.469,P=0.004,差异具有统计学意义;48周时,ETV1.0mg组仍仅有4例患者HBV DNA转阴,而ETV联合ADV组全部26例患者均达到HBV DNA转阴.补救治疗24周时,ETV 1.0mg组有42.9％(6例)患者ALT复常,ETV联合ADV组有92.3％ (24例)患者ALT复常,x 2=9.337,P=0.002,差异具有统计学意义;48周时,ETV 1.0mg组有57.1％(8例)患者ALT复常,而ETV联合ADV组所有患者均达到ALT复常.补救治疗48周时,ETV 1.0mg组有1例患者发生HBeAg血清学转换,ETV联合ADV组有4例患者发生HBeAg血清学转换.结论 对于LAM耐药后LAM联合ADV应答不佳的慢性乙型肝炎患者,采用ETV联合ADV的补救方案较ETV单药1.0mg的方案更为有效,可以实现更好的病毒学及生物化学应答.     

恩替卡韦与拉米夫定治疗慢性乙型肝炎随机、双盲、双模拟对照研究

目的以拉米夫定（LVD）为对照,评估恩替卡韦（ETV）治疗中国成人慢性乙型肝炎（CHB）的抗病毒疗效和安全性。方法多中心（26个中心）、随机、双盲、双模拟的对照研究。519例核苷类初治的CHB患者,随机分为ETV组（0．5mg／d）258例和LVD组（100mg／d）261例,用药时间至少52周。应用两种HBV定量法（bDNA和PCR）于12、24、36和48周检测血清病毒载量,每隔4周随访患者,记录不良事件和实验室异常的数据,以监测研究药物的安全性。结果ETV和LVD两组患者的基础人口学、临床和病毒学特征相似。经过48周的治疗,到达主要疗效终点者,ETV组为90％,LVD组仅69％（P〈0．0001）。HBV DNA的载量（PCR定量）,ETV组平均下降5．9lg拷贝／ml,LVD组平均下降4．3lg拷贝／ml,二者相差超过1．5lg拷贝／ml（P〈0．0001）。用PCR法,ETV组中有76％的患者测不到病毒（〈300拷贝／ml）,而LVD组中仅为43％。ALT的复常,ETV组也优于LVD组,分别为90％和78％（P=0．0003）。两组患者HBeAg的血清学转换率分别为15％和18％,差异无统计学意义（P=0．39）。两组患者不良事件的发生率基本相似,分别为60％和56％,严重不良事件的发生率分别为3％和5％。在治疗期间,没有死亡病例。结论ETV治疗核苷类初治CHB患者,抑制病毒和改善肝脏生化功能方面均优于LVD,安全性与LVD相当。     

Hepatitis B virus reactivation in breast cancer patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy and the role of preemptive lamivudine administration.

BACKGROUND: Recent data suggest that hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation develops in 41% of breast cancer (BC) patients carrying HBV after chemotherapy. Our study aimed to determine the role of preemptive use of lamivudine in BC patients undergoing chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The test group consisted of 11 female patients with BC who were seropositive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Of these, 10 patients were treated in an adjuvant setting and one for metastatic disease. Lamivudine was given from the start of chemotherapy and was maintained until 1 month after the last infusion of chemotherapy. The control group consisted of nine historical BC patients carrying HBV and received similar systemic chemotherapy without preemptive lamivudine. Variables including HBsAg, HBV envelope antigen, anti-HBV envelope antibody, serial serum alanine transaminase (ALT), quantitative HBV viral DNA analysis, and HBV-DNA precore promoter and precore sequence were monitored. Test for emergence of mutant strains, notably nucleotide 550, was performed 6 months after the completion of chemotherapy. RESULTS: All patients tolerated lamivudine well without development of evident HBV reactivation or overt hepatitis. Serum ALT remained unchanged without rebound hepatitis after cessation of chemotherapy and withdrawal of lamivudine. No emergence of lamivudine-selective resistant strain (so-called tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate mutations) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results encourage preemptive use of lamivudine for prevention of HBV reactivation in patients who need short-term chemotherapy.     

Low incidence of hepatitis B virus reactivation during chemotherapy among diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients who are HBsAg‐negative/ HBcAb‐positive: a multicenter retrospective study

Background: Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is less common in lymphoma patients with prior resolved HBV infection [characterized by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative/hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)‐positive status] compared with chronic HBV infection (HBsAg positive) when receiving chemotherapy alone. The use of rituximab in chemotherapy regimen might increase the risk of HBV reactivation in patients with prior resolved HBV infection. However, the incidence of HBV reactivation is uncertain, and prophylactic antiviral treatment for this group of patients during rituximab‐containing chemotherapy is controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of HBV reactivation in HBsAg‐negative/HBcAb‐positive patients diagnosed of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and treated with CHOP‐like or RCHOP‐like regimen. In addition, this study also aims to explore the relationship of HBV reactivation and HBV serology. Methods: Patients were identified using data from six university hospitals collected between January 1998 and November 2008. Four hundred and thirty‐seven patients with complete data were selected based on the diagnosis of CD20+ DLBCL, availability of HBV serum markers prior to initiation of chemotherapy and during the development of hepatitis, completion of at least four cycles of chemotherapy using CHOP‐like or RCHOP‐like regimen, and follow‐up for at least 6 months after completion of treatment. The characteristics of the HBsAg‐negative/HBcAb‐positive patients treated with CHOP‐like regimen were compared to those treated with RCHOP‐like regimen. Results: Eighty‐eight patients of the total 437 patients had pretreatment serology of prior resolved hepatitis B, with a prevalence of 20.1%. Among them, 45 patients received CHOP‐like regimen while 43 patients received RCHOP‐like regimen. Five patients developed hepatitis during treatment, two from CHOP group and three from RCHOP group. Only one patient treated with RCHOP had hepatitis associated with HBV reactivation, while the other four patients did not have evidence of HBV reactivation. Those four patients also demonstrated positive HBsAb at baseline, while the only patient who suffered from HBV reactivation had negative HBsAb status. This patient was successfully treated with antiviral medications. There were no statistically significant risk factors predictive of HBV reactivation. Conclusions: The present study revealed a low HBV reactivation rate of 2.3% in prior resolved hepatitis B among DLBCL patients undergoing RCHOP‐like therapy.     

拉米夫定和阿德福韦酯初始联合与恩替卡韦单药治疗慢性乙型肝炎的疗效和安全性比较

目的 观察拉米夫定(LAM)和阿德福韦酯(ADV)初始联合与恩替卡韦(ETV)单药治疗慢性乙型肝炎的疗效,并比较两者的安全性.方法 选择我院2007年6月-2008年1月符合抗病毒治疗的未曾使用核苷(酸)类似物的初治慢性乙型肝炎患者120例,分为联合组60例和单药组60例,联合组应用LAM 100 mg,ADV 10 mg,每日1次;单药组应用ETV 0.5 mg,每日1次.分别在基线、12、24、48、96周时留取血清,采用全自动分析生物化学仪检测肝功能、肾功能、血生物化学指标;采用化学发光法定量检测HBsAg和HBeAg;采用实时荧光定量PCR检测HBV DNA水平;采用PCR产物直接测序法检测病毒耐药基因.组间比较采用配对t检验,率的比较采用χ2检验.结果 (1)联合组54例,单药组50例完成了48周随访,联合组51例,单药组48例完成了96周随访.两组治疗前性别、年龄、血清ALT、血肌酐、HBV DNA、HBsAg水平及HBeAg阳性率,差异无统计学意义,具有可比性.(2)两组在治疗12周和24周时,HBV DNA＜300拷贝/ml和HBV DNA＜1000拷贝/ml的比率,差异无统计学意义.治疗12周时,单药组和联合组HBV DNA下降＜1 log10拷贝/ml的分别为3.7%(2/54)和18.0%(9/50),两组比较,χ2=5.556,P＜0.05,差异有统计学意义.(3)治疗48周时,单药组和联合组的ALT复常率、HBVDNA＜1000拷贝/ml的比率、HBeAg血清转换率以及与基线比较HBV DNA下降绝对值,差异均无统计学意义.联合组与单药组HBV DNA＜300拷贝/ml的患者分别为90.7%(49/54)和76.0%(38/50),两组比较,χ2=4.125,P＜0.05,差异有统计学意义.(4)治疗96周时,HBV DNA＜300拷贝/ml、HBV DNA＜1000拷贝/ml患者比率和HBeAg血清转换率,联合组分别为96.1%(49/51)、98.0%(50/51)、41.7%(15/36),单药组分别为79.2%(38/48)、87.5%(42/48)、16.7%(6/36),两组比较,χ2值分别为6.639、4.180、5.445,P值均＜0.05,差异有统计学意义;但两组患者与基线比较HBV DNA和HBsAg下降绝对值以及ALT复常率差异无统计学意义.(5)治疗96周时,联合组未见病毒学突破和耐药发生,而单药组累计发生病毒学突破4例,其中3例(6.3%,3/48)检测到ETV相关耐药基因变异位点,2例患者在基线时存在LAM相关耐药基因变异位点(rtL180M+M204V).(6)治疗48、96周时,联合组与单药组患者血肌酐水平及治疗前后血肌酐升高水平差异无统计学意义.在治疗期间,两组均无血清肌酐水平超过正常上限或由于肌酐升高0.5 mg/dl而调整剂量的患者.结论 LAM和ADV初始联合治疗,在减少病毒学突破和耐药发生,以及提高HBeAg血清转换率方面优于ETV单药治疗.

Abstract：

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of Lamivudine (LAM) plus Adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) combination therapy and Entecavir(ETV) monotherapy for chronic hepatitis B patients.Methods 120 patients with chronic hepatitis B managed in a single-centre clinical practice (median 96 weeks)were split into 2 cohorts,one was treated with de-novo combination Lamivudine (100 mg/day) plus Adefovir (10 mg/day) (LAM+ADV),thc other with Entecavir (0.5 mg/day) monotherapy.Serum levels of ALT,creatinine,HBsAg,HBeAg and HBV viral load,together with genotypic resistence were analyzed at 0,12,24,48,96 weeks,respectively.HBV DNA was determined by real-time PCR.HBsAg and HBeAg were assessed by chemiluminescence.Serum levels of ALT and creatinine were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer.HBV genotypic resistence was tested by direct sequencing.Results (1) At the time point of 96 weeks,a total of 99 patients(51 cases in combination therapy cohort and 48 case in monotherapy cohort) were compared.The baseline characteristics as for HBV viral load,median age,serum levels of ALT and creatinine were compatible between combination therapy cohort and monotherapy cohort.(2) The rates of HBV DNA ＜300 copies/ml and HBV DNA ＜ 1000 copies/ml had no significant difference between LAM + ADV and ETV cohorts by the 12 and 24 weeks (P ＞ 0.05).(3) At the time point of 48 weeks,the rates of HBV DNA＜1000copies/ml,HBeAg seroconversion,and ALT normalization were similar in both cohorts,though the rate of HBV DNA ＜ 300 copies/ml was obviously higher in combination therapy cohort than that of monotherapy cohort (90.7% vs 76%,P ＜ 0.05).(4) At the time point of 96 weeks,the rates of HBV DNA ＜ 300 copies/ml (96.1% vs 79.2%),HBV DNA ＜ 1000 copies/ml (98% vs 87.5%) and the HBeAg seroconversion (41.7% vs 16.7%) were markedly higher in combination therapy cohort than those of monotherapy cohort statistically (P ＜ 0.05 for all).The mean values of decreases for HBV viral loads and HBsAg levels were smilar in both cohorts at 48 and 96 weeks.(5) Elevated serum creatinine not be found in both cohorts at the end of treatment.(6) No virological breakthrough occurred in combination therapy cohort at the end of treatment.Four patients in monotherapy cohort were found with virological breakthrough at 96 weeks and three cases among were confirmed to be of variants associated with ETV resistance (rtLl80M + T184L + M204V).Conclusions Present study suggests that Lamivudine plus Adefovir dipivoxil de-novo combination therapy was more efficacious than Entecavir monotherapy for CHB patients and the tolerance is compatible.     

Incidence and characteristics of HBV reactivation in hematological malignant patients in south Egypt

AIM:To investigate characteristics of hepatitis B virus(HBV)implicated in HBV reactivation in patients with hematological malignancies receiving immunosuppressive therapy.METHODS:Serum samples were collected from 53 patients with hematological malignancies negative for hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)before the start of and throughout the chemotherapy course.HBV reactivation was diagnosed when the HBsAg status changed from negative to positive after the initiation of chemotherapy and/or when HBV DNA was detected by realtime detection polymerase chain reaction(RTD-PCR).For detecting the serological markers of HBV infection,HBsAg as well as antibodies to the core antigen(antiHBc)and to the surface antigen were measured in the sera by CEIA.Nucleic acids were extracted from sera,and HBV DNA sequences spanning the S gene were amplified by RTD-PCR.The extracted DNA was further subjected to PCR to amplify the complete genome as well as the specific genomic sequences bearing the enhancerⅡ/core promoter/pre-core/core regions(nt1628-2364).Amplicons were sequenced directly.RESULTS:Thirty-five(66%)of the 53 HBsAg-negative patients were found to be negative serologically for antiHBc,and the remaining 18(34%)patients were positive for anti-HBc.Five of the 53(9.4%)patients with hematologic malignancies experienced HBV reactivation.Genotype D1 was detected in all five patients.Four types of mutant strains were detected in the S gene product of HBV strains and were isolated from 3 patients with HBV reactivation:T/S120,L143,and I126.HBV DNA was detected in the pretreatment HBsAg-negative samples in one of the five patients with HBV reactivation.In this patient,sequences encompassing the HBV full genome obtained from sera before the start of chemotherapy and at the time of de novo HBV hepatitis were detected and it showed 100%homology.Furthermore,in the phylogenetic tree,the sequences were clustered together,thereby indicating that this patient developed reactivation from an occult HBV infection.CONCLUSION:Past infection with     

Response to tenofovir monotherapy in chronic hepatitis B patients with prior suboptimal response to entecavir

Summary. Both entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir (TDF) are potent antiviral agents for hepatitis B virus (HBV). Suboptimal response (SOR) following antiviral therapy is associated with an increased risk of subsequent treatment failure and viral resistance. It remains unclear whether switching to TDF is a reasonable approach in patients with SOR to ETV treatment. This study was aimed to determine how HBV patients with SOR to ETV respond to TDF monotherapy. Data of patients with SOR to ETV (failure to achieve >1 log₁₀ HBV‐DNA reduction during the last 24 weeks of ETV treatment) who were switched to TDF monotherapy during 2005 and 2010 were reviewed. Treatment adherence was assessed by pill‐count. Fourteen patients (2.9%) were identified from a total cohort of 482 ETV‐treated patients. All 14 patients were Chinese and were infected with HBV genotype C (71%) or B (29%). Nine patients were men, and the median age was 41.5 years (19–64). Twelve were treatment naïve (one lamivudine‐ and one peginterferon‐experienced patient); 85.7% were HBeAg positive. The median baseline HBV‐DNA was 7.55 (5.30–9.40) log₁₀ copies/mL, and 57% had abnormal serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Precore and/or basal core promoter mutations were detected in four patients, whereas no genotypic resistance was detected at baseline and before switching to TDF. The median duration of ETV treatment was 64.5 (26–126) weeks. The median HBV‐DNA at the time of switching to TDF was 3.69 (3.00–4.90) log₁₀ copies/mL. The median HBV‐DNA reduction from baseline and during the last 6‐month observation period prior to switching to TDF was 4.04 (0.51–6.06) log₁₀ and 0.43 (?0.09–1.13) log₁₀ copies/mL, respectively. After the switching to TDF, all 14 patients (100%) achieved undetectable HBV‐DNA and ALT normalization within a median duration of 30 weeks. In 12 patients who were HBeAg positive, HBeAg seroconversion was observed in two patients after TDF treatment of 75‐ and 84‐weeks duration. There was no virological breakthrough observed after switching to TDF with a median follow‐up period of 50 (24–160) weeks. TDF treatment was safe and well tolerated. In conclusion, suboptimal response to ETV is rare (approximately 3%). TDF monotherapy is safe and very effective in the management of HBV patients with SOR to ETV.