Significance of hepatitis B viremia levels determined by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay in patients with hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B virus infection

OBJECTIVES: In hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the clinical relevance of low viremia levels remains unclear. We evaluated the clinical significance of a single baseline serum HBV DNA measurement by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in this setting. METHODS: In total, 196 patients with HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection (62 inactive carriers, 134 with chronic hepatitis B) were studied. ALT activity was normal at baseline in 25/134 HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients (18.7%), whereas it remained normal throughout follow-up in all inactive carriers. RESULTS: HBV DNA was <30,000 copies/ml in 14 (10.5%) and <100,000 copies/ml in 17 (12.9%) HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients, whereas it was <30,000 copies/ml in all inactive carriers (undetectable in 14). In particular, HBV DNA levels were <100,000 copies/ml in eight (32%) and <30,000 copies/ml in five (20%) of the 25 patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B and normal baseline ALT values. HBV DNA levels with a cut-off at 30,000 or 100,000 copies/ml could correctly classify 92.9% or 91.3% of patients with HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection, whereas ALT or IgM anti-HBc (IgM class antibody to HBV core antigen) index > 0.200 could correctly classify only 87.2% and 82.1% of patients, respectively. A combined HBV DNA and IgM anti-HBc index performed better by correctly classifying 94.4% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Serum HBV DNA levels evaluated by sensitive quantitative PCR assays can be used for differentiation between HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B and inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carrier state, but the cut-off level should be set at approximately 30,000 copies/ml and certainly lower than the recently suggested level of 100,000 copies/ml.     

Quantitative serum HBV DNA levels during different stages of chronic hepatitis B infection

The goals of this retrospective study were to determine whether there is a threshold hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA value associated with spontaneous or antiviral therapy-related hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) clearance. We also investigated whether there is an HBV DNA value that can be used for differentiating inactive carriers from patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. HBV DNA levels in sequential serum samples of 165 Chinese patients with different stages of chronic HBV infection were quantified by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay. Our results showed that almost all of the patients (89%) who remained HBeAg-positive had HBV DNA levels that were persistently above 10(5) copies/mL. Serum HBV DNA levels decreased by a mean of 3 log(10) in patients with HBeAg loss, but 51% had levels above 10(5) copies/mL at the time HBeAg first became undetectable. Mean serum HBV DNA levels were significantly lower in HBeAg-negative patients. HBV DNA value above 10(5) copies/mL would exclude all inactive carriers, but 45% of patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis would also be excluded if testing were only performed at presentation and 30% would be excluded if testing were performed on 3 occasions. In conclusion, serum HBV DNA levels decreased significantly in patients with HBeAg loss, but there was no threshold HBV DNA level associated with HBeAg clearance. Given the fluctuating course of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis, it is not possible to define a single cutoff HBV DNA value for differentiating inactive carriers from patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis.     

Interferon treatment with or without oral ganciclovir in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B: a randomized study

The treatment of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B with alpha interferon alone is unsatisfactory. We evaluated the efficacy of combined administration of interferon-a2a (IFN) with oral ganciclovir, a nucleoside analogue. Forty patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA-positive/HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B, were randomized to receive 4.5 MU IFN thrice weekly, subcutaneously, alone or in combination with 3 g ganciclovir per os daily for 26 weeks and followed for 12 months after treatment. Mean serum HBV-DNA levels decreased by 4.0 log10 in the combination group (from 5 x 106 to 4.8 x 102 copies/ml) and by 2.2 log10 in the interferon group (from 8 x 106 to 4.8 x 104 copies/ml) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HBV-DNA became undetectable in 11 of 20 (55%) and in three of 20 (15%) patients in the two groups, respectively (P=0.02). The alanine aminotransferase levels became normal in all patients receiving combination therapy, compared to 75% of those in the interferon group. After cessation of therapy, HBV-DNA increased or reappeared in all patients with 85% also relapsing biochemically. One year after treatment, three patients in each group (15%) remained in sustained biochemical remission with very low serum HBV-DNA levels (median 15 700 copies/ml). We conclude that, in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B, 6-month combination therapy with oral ganciclovir and IFN is associated with complete biochemical remission in all treated patients and a 4 log10 decrease in serum HBV-DNA levels. The end of treatment efficacy of this combination scheme is far super- ior to that of IFN monotherapy but sustained responses are few. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the efficacy of prolonged combination schemes with nucleoside analogues and IFN, compared to IFN monotherapy.     

Hepatitis B virus DNA prediction rules for hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B

After hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion, hepatitis B may become inactive or progress to HBeAg-negative hepatitis with persistent or intermittent alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation. The aim of this study was to prospectively identify factors predictive of the clinical course in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Patients were stratified by ALT and HBeAg status and followed every 3 months for up to 5 years. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis using the change from normal ALT to elevated ALT as endpoints were performed to determine factors associated with ALT elevation/normalization. Seventy-four HBeAg-negative and 32 HBeAg-positive patients were prospectively evaluated. For HBeAg-negative patients, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was predictive of future ALT. Only 1 patient with normal ALT and an HBV DNA value lower than 10,000 copies/mL developed an elevated ALT within the subsequent year, whereas 67% with an HBV DNA value greater than 100,000 copies/mL had a rise in ALT above normal within 1 year. Patients with a previous history of ALT elevation and longer follow-up at all levels of HBV DNA were more likely to experience ALT elevations. For HBeAg-negative patients with elevated ALT and all HBeAg-positive patients, HBV DNA did not predict future ALT. Other viral and host factors were not predictive of future ALT. CONCLUSION: HBeAg-negative CHB has a fluctuating course. HBV DNA values lower than 10,000 copies/mL predict persistently normal ALT for at least 1 year. Patients with HBV DNA values between 10,000 and 100,000 copies/mL can safely be followed at 6 monthly intervals, whereas HBV DNA values greater than 100,000 copies/mL are highly predictive of future ALT elevation and should prompt regular follow-up.     

Serum hepatitis B virus DNA levels and liver histology in inactive HBsAg carriers

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A recent NIH research workshop on hepatitis B virus (HBV) revisited the definition of healthy HBsAg carriers. The new definition inactive surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers includes an estimated serum HBV DNA level below 105 copies/ml. However, this cut-off value needs to be confirmed. METHODS: Eighty-five consecutive patients, HBsAg-positive/HBeAg-negative with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and undetectable serum HBV DNA with standard assay (Versant HBV DNA Assay (bDNA), Bayer) were prospectively followed for 3.2+/-2.6 (range 0.5-11) years; 58 underwent a liver biopsy. Serum HBV DNA was quantified with a sensitive polymerase chain reaction assay (Cobas Amplicor HBV Monitor, Roche) (sensitivity 200 copies/ml), and liver histology was assessed using the Ishak scoring system. RESULTS: The median serum HBV DNA level was 1300 copies/ml (<200-179 x 10(3) copies/ml), 16% of the subjects had no detectable serum HBV DNA and 98% had levels below 10(5) copies/ml. Histologic lesions were mild (total score <7) in all cases. Loss of HBsAg was observed in three patients, three patients experienced a transient increase in ALT (<2 x upper limit of normal), and serum HBV DNA levels remained stable (1-6 years) in 97% of the 38 patients retested. CONCLUSIONS: In our study of inactive HBsAg carriers, the median serum HBV DNA level was 1300 copies/ml, the serum HBV DNA level was below 10(5) copies/ml in 98% of the patients, and remained stable; histological lesions were mild in all cases.     

病毒学因素对ALT持续正常的e抗原阴性慢性乙型肝炎病毒感染者肝脏组织学改变的影响

目的 探讨ALT持续正常的HBeAg阴忡慢性HBV感染者病毒学因素与肝脏组织学改变的关系.方法 枪测52例研究对象的HBV DNA水平、基因型、基本核心启动了(BCP)与前C区变异,分析各病毒学因素对肝脏组织学改变的影响.止态分布数据两组间均数比较采用t检验,多组均数比较采用单因素方差分析;非正态分布数据比较采用Mann-Whitney I检验;两样本率的比较用χ2检验及Fisher精确概率法;HBV DNA与肝脏组织学的关系等非参数双变量相关分析采用Spearman相关系数方法;采用受试者T作特征曲线下而积评价HBV DNA水平对肝脏病理改变的诊断价值. 结果 BCP与前C区联合突变组的病毒载量高于非联合突变组[(4.9±1.4)10g10拷贝/ml比(4.1±1.1)log10拷贝/ml,t=2.308,P<0.05];联合突变组32.1%的患者HAI≥4分、14.3%的患者F≥3分.前C区或BCP野毒株的感染者中,HBV DNA与肝脏炎症呈正相关(r值分别为0.626和0.592,P值均<0.01)、与纤维化改变也呈正相关(r值分别为0.730和0.641,P值均<0.01).在尢联合突变的研究对象中,HBV DNA用于预测其F≥3分的肝脏病理改变有显著意义(受试者工作特征曲线下面积为0.905,95%可信区间为0.771～1.039,P<0.05),临界值为4.5 log10拷贝/ml(敏感度1.000,特异度0.778,阿I性预测值为42.9%,阴性预测值为100.0%).基因B型的HBV DNA高于C型[(5.1±1.5)log10拷贝/ml比(4.3±1.0)lOg10拷贝/ml],差异有统计学意义(t= 2.059,P<0.05);但两者在显著肝脏病理改变方面的差异尢统计学意义. 结论 HBV联合突变株的复制能力最强,行且部分联合突变株感染者出现显著肝组织学改变,此类患者有必要接受抗病毒治疗.在前C区或BCP变异野毒株感染者中,HBVDNA与肝脏的炎症、纤维化改变呈正相关,病毒载量用于预测这部分感染者F≥3分的肝脏病理改变有显著意义.     

Diagnosis and management of pre-core mutant chronic hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis due to pre-core hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants presents as hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). HBeAg-negative CHB represents a late phase in the natural course of chronic HBV infection that develops after HBeAg loss and seroconversion to anti-HBe. It is usually associated with pre-core stop codon mutation at nucleotide 1896 (mainly selected in non-A HBV genotypes), but also with other pre-core changes or with mutations in the basic core promoter region (mainly in HBV genotype A). In chronic HBV infections, pre-core mutants can be detected both in patients with HBeAg-negative CHB and in inactive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers. The diagnosis of HBeAg-negative CHB is based on HBsAg positivity, HBeAg negativity, and mainly on increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum HBV-DNA levels and exclusion of other causes of liver disease. The differential diagnosis between patients with CHB and inactive HBsAg carriers can be made only by close follow-up of aminotransferase activity and viraemia levels, although the cut-off level of serum HBV DNA has not been definitely determined. IgM anti-HBc levels have also been suggested as an index that increases the diagnostic accuracy for transient hepatitis flares, while liver biopsy confirms the diagnosis and evaluates the severity of the liver disease. Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and lamivudine are the two drugs that have been tried, mainly in the management of HBeAg-negative CHB. A 12-month course of IFN-alpha achieves sustained biochemical remission in about 20% of patients, which has been associated with improvement in the long-term outcome of this subset. A 12-month course of lamivudine is rather ineffective, maintaining remission in less than 15% of patients after cessation of therapy. Long-term lamivudine is associated with progressively increasing rate of virological and subsequent biochemical breakthroughs due to YMDD mutants, with approximately 30% of patients remaining in remission in the third year of therapy. Several other antiviral agents are currently being evaluated in this setting with combined regimens being the most reasonable step for the near future.     

替比夫定治疗乙型肝炎肝硬化的疗效观察

目的 观察替比夫定治疗乙型肝炎肝硬化患者48周时的疗效.方法 80例乙型肝炎肝硬化患者分为两组,每组40例,分别给予口服替比夫定600 mg/d或拉米夫定100 mg/d,持续治疗48周.观察治疗不同时间点患者的病毒学、生物化学指标、凝血酶原活动度(PTA)、Child-Pugh积分及病毒耐药等变化情况.结果 替比夫定组患者血清HBV DNA在治疗前为(6.52±1.33)log10拷贝/ml,在接受替比夫定治疗后2、4、8,12、24、48周时的下降值分别为(2.09±1.30)log10拷贝/ml、(2.83±1.22)log,o拷贝/ml、(3.23±1.27)log10拷贝/ml、(3.42±1.32)log10拷贝/ml、(3.65±1.30)log10拷贝/ml及(3.67±1.43)log10拷贝/ml.在24、48周时均有92.5%(37/40)的患者HBV DNA阴转.在治疗24、48周时,分别有30.0%(6/20)及35.0%(7/20)的患者出现了HBeAg血清学转换.在治疗48周时ALT、AST明显下降,白蛋白、总胆红素、PTA及Child Pugh积分等指标均有所改善(P<0.05),治疗48周时替比夫定组YMDD变异率为5.0%.治疗后24、48周HBV DNA水平下降值、HBV DNA阴转率替比夫定组高于拉米夫定组(P<0.05).结论 替比夫定能快速有效抑制乙型肝炎肝硬化患者的病毒复制,使HBV DNA水平下降,同时可以改善肝功能,且具有较低耐药率.     

Distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes among patients with chronic infection.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be classified into at least eight genotypes, A-H. We evaluated the distribution HBV genotypes among patients with chronic infection. METHODS: We consecutively evaluated adult patients with chronic HBV infection from Salvador, Brazil. Patients were classified according to HBV infection chronic phases based on HBV-DNA levels and presence of serum HBV markers. HBV-DNA was qualitatively and quantitatively detected in serum by polymerised chain reaction (PCR). Isolates were genotyped by comparison of amino acid mutations and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: One-hundred and fourteen patients were evaluated. HBV-DNA was positive in 96 samples. HBV genotype was done in 76. Mean age was 36 +/- 11.3. In 61 of 76 cases subjects were classified as inactive HBsAg carriers. Their mean HBV serum level was 1760 copies/ml and 53 of 61 were infected with HBV genotype A, seven with HBV genotype F and one with genotype B. Twelve of the 76 patients had detectable hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) in serum. Ten were infected with HBV genotype A and two with genotype F; most had increased alanine aminotransferase and high HBV-DNA levels. Three patients were in the immunotolerant phase, two were infected with HBV genotype A and one with genotype F. HBV subtyping showed subtypes adw2 and adw4. CONCLUSIONS: HBV genotype A adw2 and genotype F adw4 were the most prevalent isolates found. We could not find differences in genotype distribution according to HBV clinical phases and DNA levels. We did not detect HBV genotype D in contrast to a previous study in our center with acute hepatitis B. All inactive HBsAg carriers had low HBV-DNA levels.     

HBeAg阴性慢性乙肝患者血清前S1抗原与HBV DNA的关系

目的通过分析HBV Pre-S1抗原与HBV DNA的关系,探讨HBeAg阴性慢性乙肝患者血清前S1抗原检测的临床价值。方法采用ELISA法、荧光定量PCR法及生化检测270例HBeAg阴性慢性乙肝患者及50例健康对照血清Pre-S1抗原、HBV DNA及肝功能,并对检查结果进行相关性分析。结果 270例HBeAg阴性血清中,Pre-S1抗原和HBV DNA阳性率分别为39.6%和41.9%,Pre-S1抗原与HBV DNA存在相关性（χ^2=187.0,P〈0.01）;Pre-S1抗原阳性组AST、ALT、TBIL、γ-GT均高于阴性组（P〈0.01）;当HBV DNA拷贝数的对数值〉2.7时,Pre-S1抗原诊断敏感度85.8%,特异度93.6%,准确性90.4%,阳性预测值90.7%,阳性似然比13.4,优势比89.1。结论 HBV Pre-S1抗原与HBV DNA、肝功能均有较好相关性,在HBeAg阴性慢性乙肝患者中,它能够敏感、准确地反映HBV的复制和肝功能状况,可作为乙肝病毒复制的一项新传染性指标。     

阿德福韦酯治疗HBeAg阴性慢性乙型肝炎疗效与HBV基因型的关系

目的探讨阿德福韦酯（ADv）治疗HBeAg阴性慢性乙型肝炎（chronic hepatitis B,CHB）的疗效与HBv基因型的关系。方法选择71例HBVDNA〉1×10^4copies／ml、ALT〉2倍正常值上限、TBIL正常的HBeAg阴性cHB患者,其中B基因型40例,C基因型31例,所有患者均口服ADV 10mg,1／d,治疗52周,动态观察治疗过程中HBV DNA和ALT水平的变化。结果在治疗12、24、52周时,B基因型患者ALT变化、血清HBVDNA水平下降≥2log。完全抑制比例与C基因型患者相比差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论ADV能有效抑制HBeAg阴性CHB患者HBV复制,促进肝功能好转,其疗效与HBV基因型B或C型无关。     

Clinical outcomes of chronic hepatitis B patients with persistently detectable serum hepatitis B virus DNA during lamivudine therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIM: A small proportion of chronic hepatitis B patients have persistently detectable serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA despite lamivudine therapy. The incidence and clinical outcomes of patients who persistently have detectable serum HBV-DNA during lamivudine therapy was investigated. METHOD: We enrolled 221 chronic hepatitis B patients who underwent lamivudine therapy for more than 6 months. Among them, 180 were HBeAg positive. Serum HBV-DNA, HBeAg, anti-HBe and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were serially monitored. The study groups were defined, using a hybridization assay, as patients with reductions in serum HBV-DNA below the detectable level (group I) or patients with persistently detectable serum HBV-DNA (group II) during the initial 6 months of lamivudine therapy. RESULTS: The incidence of patients who had persistently detectable HBV-DNA was 7.7%. After the first year, the rates of viral breakthrough, HBeAg loss and serum ALT normalization of group I versus group II were 21% versus 63%, 38% versus 0%, and 71% versus 28%, respectively (P < 0.001). The log(10) reduction of serum HBV-DNA at 6 months was -4.58 log(10) for group I and -1.97 log(10) for group II (P < 0.001, bDNA assay). There were no pretreatment lamivudine-resistant mutants in group II. CONCLUSION: Lamivudine had little effect on serum HBV-DNA suppression, viral breakthrough suppression and rate of HBeAg loss and ALT normalization in chronic hepatitis B patients with persistently detectable serum HBV-DNA during the initial 6 months of therapy. Early termination of lamivudine therapy is advocated for these patients.     

Mutations in the basic core promoter region of hepatitis B virus. Relationship with precore variants and HBV genotypes in a Spanish population of HBV carriers

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To determine the prevalence and significance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) basic core promoter (BCP) mutations and to establish their relationship with precore (preC) mutations, HBV genotypes and HBV-DNA levels. METHODS: BCP and preC mutations and genotypes were determined by sequencing. RESULTS: Genomic analysis was performed in 129 (71%) of 182 patients. BCP mutations were detected in 83% of 18 HBeAg-negative (e-) chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with fluctuating ALT levels, and in 76% of 58 e- CHB with elevated ALT. The prevalence was lower and similar, 55% in 30 HBeAg-positive CHB (e+ CHB) with elevated ALT and in 23 e- inactive carriers. Frequency of preC mutations was higher in e- CHB (80%) than in e- inactive carriers (65%). Among e- CHB, patients with elevated ALT and preC mutations at nt 1896 showed highest HBV-DNA, regardless of BCP mutations. BCP mutations were similar in genotypes A and D, while preC mutations were most common in genotype D (82 vs. 40%). Simultaneous presence of the main BCP (1762, 1764) and preC (1896, 1899) mutations was associated with the degree of histological injury. CONCLUSIONS: Combined BCP and preC mutational and genotype analysis provides clinically relevant information in the study of HBV infection.     

Adefovir rapidly suppresses hepatitis B in HBeAg-negative patients developing genotypic resistance to lamivudine

Progression of hepatitis B in patients with lamivudine-resistant strains is slowed down by adefovir dipivoxil (ADV). Whether the time point of ADV administration (genotypic vs. phenotypic resistance) influences the outcome of therapy is unknown. We compared the outcome of ADV therapy in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B patients with genotypic and phenotypic resistance to lamivudine. Ten milligrams of ADV was administered daily for 2 years to 46 HBeAg-negative patients at the time of phenotypic resistance (group A, >6 log(10) copies/mL of hepatitis B virus [HBV] DNA and high alanine aminotransferase [ALT] levels) and 28 patients at the time of genotypic resistance (group B, 3-6 log(10) copies/mL of HBV-DNA and normal ALT). HBV DNA was assessed every 2 months using Versant 3.0 assay, and lamivudine resistance was confirmed via INNO-LiPA assay in all patients. By month 3, HBV DNA tested negative in all patients from group B compared with only 20 (46%) in group A (P < .0001). The 2-year rates of virological response were 100% in the former patients and 78% in the latter ones (P < .0001). ALT levels remained persistently normal in all group B patients, whereas in group A patients they normalized at rates of 50% at month 6 (P < .0001), 72% at month 12 (P < .01), and 93% at month 24. None of the patients developed ADV resistance or ADV-related side effects. In conclusion, to optimize antiviral treatment in HBeAg-negative patients selecting resistant strains to lamivudine, ADV should be added to lamivudine as soon as genotypic resistance is detected.     

Natural history of chronic hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can cause chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Chronic hepatitis B is characterized by an early replicative phase with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positivity, high serum HBV-DNA levels and disease activity (HBeAgpositive chronic hepatitis), and a late inactive phase with anti-HBe seroconversion, low or undetectable serum HBV-DNA, and liver disease remission (inactive carrier state). Another form is characterized by active disease due to HBV variants not expressing HBeAg (HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis). Both types of chronic hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis and its complications. The incidence of cirrhosis is two to five per 100 person-years, but may be as high as eight to 10 in HBeAg-negative cases. The incidence of HCC varies geographically and increases with the duration and severity of liver disease (0.1 to 8 per 100 person-years). The prognosis is reasonably good in compensated cirrhosis, but very poor following decompensation. Viral and environmental factors influence the natural history of chronic hepatitis B and explain the heterogeneity of its clinical outcomes.     

Profile of hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND: Although chronic hepatitis B occurs in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients, its prevalence and clinical significance are not known. AIM: To determine the prevalence and profile of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 363 consecutive patients (mean age 36 y; 288 men) with chronic HBV infection was performed. All patients were HBsAg-positive. Tests for liver profile, HBeAg and anti-HBe antibody were performed in all patients. Serum HBV DNA was tested using branched DNA assay in 245 patients. The patients were classified into three groups: no cirrhosis with normal ALT levels, no cirrhosis with elevated ALT levels, and clinical or histological evidence of cirrhosis. RESULTS: Of 363 patients, 141 (39%) were HBeAg-positive and 222 (61%) HBeAg-negative. Of HBeAg-negative patients, 120 (54%) had normal ALT, 45 (20%) had elevated ALT and 57 (26%) had evidence of cirrhosis; corresponding figures in the HBeAg-positive patients were 40 (28%), 66 (47%) and 35 (25%). HBV DNA was positive in 53 of 131 (40%) HBeAg-negative patients tested; of these 53 patients, 9 (17%) had normal ALT, 20 (38%) had elevated ALT and 24 (45%) had cirrhosis. Thus, 72% of HBeAg-positive and 46% of HBeAg-negative patients had elevated ALT and/or cirrhosis. Among the latter group, 83% of HBV DNA-positive patients had elevated ALT and/or cirrhosis. Overall, 18% of HBsAg-positive patients had HBeAg-negative, HBV DNA-positive liver disease. CONCLUSION: HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B is not an uncommon and benign entity and chronic liver disease develops in a significant proportion of such patients.     

Diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis B: an update

The diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is made using a combination of serological, virologic, biochemical, and histologic markers. The natural history of HBV infection can be divided into four phases: immune tolerance, immune clearance (HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B), inactive HBsAg carrier, and reactivation (HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B). Patients in the immune clearance and reactivation phases, with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and HBV DNA levels, are candidates for antiviral therapy. The primary goal of therapy for chronic hepatitis B is suppression of viral replication, which has been shown to reduce hepatic necroinflammation and retard progression of hepatic fibrosis. Long-term suppression of serum HBV DNA is likely to reduce progression to cirrhosis and hepatic decompensation and decrease the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Current antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B includes interferon alfa, peginterferon alfa-2a, lamivudine, adefovir, entecavir, and telbivudine. In patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B, antiviral treatment is indicated when the serum HBV DNA level is = or > 10(5) copies/mL (20,000 IU/mL) and the ALT level is elevated. For HBeAg-negative patients, the threshold for initiation of therapy is lower, i.e., a serum HBV DNA level = or > 10(4) copies/mL (2,000 IU/mL) in association with an elevated ALT level. The presence of at least moderate necroinflammation and the presence of fibrosis on liver biopsy, which is optional and not mandatory before therapy, may be useful in supporting the decision to initiate therapy, particularly in patients with normal ALT levels. While undergoing therapy, patients require monitoring every 3 to 6 months to ensure compliance and to test for the development of resistance if an oral agent is used. Issues that remain controversial or need to be studied further are the necessity of a baseline liver biopsy, the HBV DNA and ALT thresholds for initiation of therapy, the optimal duration of antiviral therapy, selection of one agent over another, and the role of combination therapy.     

慢性乙型肝炎重度和慢加急性肝衰竭患者MELD评分与HBV DNA载量的变化

目的了解慢性乙型肝炎重度和肝衰竭患者极期与缓解期HBV DNA载量的变化。方法观察并比较51例慢性乙型肝炎重度和56例慢加急性肝衰竭患者病情极期和缓解期的MELD评分和HBV DNA载量变化。结果慢加急性乙型肝炎肝衰竭患者极期和缓解期MELD评分分别为20.5±4.4分和12.2±6.1分,HBV DNA载量为6.2±1.5log10 copies/ml和4.5±1.5log10 copies/ml,而慢性乙型肝炎重度患者极期和缓解期MELD评分则分别为11.9±3.2分和6.4±3.1分,HBV DNA载量为6.5±1.5log10 copies/ml和4.9±1.8log10 copies/ml。慢加急性乙型肝炎肝衰竭和慢性乙型肝炎重度患者极期和缓解期之间MELD评分和HBV DNA载量均存在差别(t=6.692～13.215,P均0.000)。结论不论慢加急性乙型肝炎肝衰竭还是慢性乙型肝炎重度患者,随着肝病的缓解,其MELD评分明显下降,HBV DNA载量出现显著的自发性下降。     

Combination of hepatitis B viral antigens and DNA for prediction of relapse after discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogs in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Aim: The factors associated with hepatitis recurrence after discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) in patients with chronic hepatitis B were analyzed to predict the risk of relapse more accurately. Methods: A total of 126 patients who discontinued NA therapy were recruited retrospectively. The clinical conditions of a successful discontinuation were set as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) below 30 IU/L and serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA below 4.0 log copies/mL. Results: Relapse of hepatitis B were judged to occur when maximal serum ALT became higher than 79 IU/L or when maximal serum HBV DNA surpassed 5.7 log copies/mL following NA discontinuation since these values corresponded with mean values of ALT (30 IU/L) and HBV DNA (4.0 log copies/mL), respectively. At least 90% of patients with either detectable hepatitis B e antigen or serum HBV DNA higher than 3.0 log copies/mL at the time of NA discontinuation relapsed within one year. In the remaining patients, higher levels of both hepatitis B surface and core‐related antigens at the time of discontinuation, as well as a shorter course of NA treatment, were significantly associated with relapse by multivariate analysis. Conclusions: It appears that negative results for hepatitis B e antigen and serum HBV DNA lower than 3.0 log copies/mL are essential for successful NA discontinuation, which may be attained by a longer treatment period. Levels of hepatitis B surface and core‐related antigens are also significant factors independently associated with relapse of hepatitis.