抗病毒治疗对慢性乙型肝炎肝组织HBV DNA及病理的影响

目的 探讨抗病毒治疗对慢乙肝肝组织HBV DNA及病理的影响.方法 75例HBeAg阳性的慢乙肝患者分别接受拉米夫定-干扰素序贯治疗24例、拉米夫定35例或干扰素α2b16例,抗病毒治疗,检测治疗前48周患者肝组织HBV DNA及炎症指数(HAI).结果 抗病毒治疗48周,三组患者血、肝组织HBV DNA及HAI均值明显下降(P＜0.05),序贯治疗组HBeAg血清转换率(38.1%)稍高于其他两组(P=0.1352).HBeAg血清转化患者(17例)和HBV DNA阴转患者(21例)肝组织HBVDNA基线值明显低于其他患者(P＜0.05).结论 抗病毒治疗可以抑制肝组织HBV的复制,改善肝细胞的炎症坏死;肝组织HBV DNA水平低者抗病毒疗效好.序贯治疗可能获得较高的HBeAg血清转化率.     

HBeAg阴性乙型肝炎ACLF患者的临床特征及抗病毒治疗短期疗效

目的 观察HBeAg阴性乙型肝炎慢加急性肝衰竭患者的临床特征及应用恩替卡韦抗病毒治疗的短期疗效.方法 132例HBeAg阴性和51例HBeAg阳性乙型肝炎慢加急性肝衰竭患者,分为常规治疗组及抗病毒治疗组,抗病毒组在常规内科治疗基础上加用恩替卡韦0.5 mg/d治疗,比较两组患者临床特征、病死率及抗病毒治疗短期疗效差异.结果 与HBeAg阳性组比较,HBeAg阴性组年龄较大(P=0.001),血清HBV DNA定量较低(P=0.001).HBeXS阴性组与HBeAg阳性组肝衰竭分期构成比及常规治疗病死率比较无差异.应用恩替卡韦抗病毒治疗时HBeAg阴性组生存率为54.24%,高于常规治疗组(35.62%),P=0.032,低于HBeAg阳性抗病毒组(80.00%),P=0.004.HBeAg阴性组血清HBV DNA在(3～5)log10拷贝/ml时,抗病毒治疗组生存率为55.56%,高于常规治疗组(20.00%),P=0.011.结论 乙型肝炎慢加急性肝衰竭患者中,常规治疗下HBeAg阴性患者与HBeAg阳性患者的病死率无差异.采用恩替卡韦抗病毒治疗能提高HBeAg阴性患者的生存率.在HBV DNA低水平复制的HBeAg阴性患者中恩替卡韦抗病毒治疗能提高生存率.     

聚乙二醇干扰素α-2a联合基因重组酵母乙肝疫苗治疗HBeAg阳性CHB的疗效观察

目的 探讨聚乙二醇干扰素α-2a联合基因重组酵母乙肝疫苗治疗HBeAg阳性的慢性乙型肝炎患者疗效.方法 总75例HBeAg阳性慢性乙型肝炎纳入本研究,其中单用聚乙二醇干扰素α-2a治疗的45例（A组）;聚乙二醇干扰素α-2a联合基因重组酵母乙肝疫苗的HBeAg阳性慢性乙肝患者30例（B组）.对比分析两组在治疗0、24、48和72周时ALT、HBsAg水平、HBeAg血清转换率和HBV DNA阴转率的差异.结果 治疗前（0周）时两组患者的年龄、ALT、HBsAg和HBV DNA水平差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）,其中联合治疗组（B组）HBeAg水平明显高于对照组（A组）,差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.第24周和48周时,两组患者的ALT、HBsAg水平、HBeAg血清学转换率和HBV DNA阴转率差异并无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.在治疗结束随访至72周时,A、B两组ALT、HBeAg血清转换率和HBsAg水平差异没有统计学意义（P＞0.05）,但B组HBV DNA阴转率高于A组,差异具有统计学意义（P=0.032）.结论 聚乙二醇干扰素α-2a联合基因重组乙肝疫苗治疗HBeAg阳性的慢性乙型肝炎患者可以提高48周治疗结束后72周时的HBV DNA阴转率,但是与HBeAg血清学转换和HBsAg水平降低无关.     

恩替卡韦和替比夫定抗病毒治疗中HBeAg血清学转换影响因素探讨

目的分析恩替卡韦和替比夫定治疗慢乙肝过程中血清HBV DNA和HBeAg含量的变化及其联系,探讨二者对HBeAg血清学转换的作用及其在抗病毒治疗中的价值及临床意义。方法选择分别应用恩替卡韦治疗（53例）和替比夫定治疗（31例）的HBeAg阳性慢性乙型肝炎（CHB）患者共84例,观察治疗后48周内发生HBeAg血清转换者和无HBeAg血清转换者不同时间点HBV DNA下降水平及其转阴率、血清HBV DNA载量与HBeAg水平的关联。结果 HBV DNA在核苷类似物治疗早期迅速下降;发生HBeAg血清转换者较无转换者HBV DNA下降幅度大,HBV DNA转阴率高;基线血清HBV DNA和HBeAg含量成正相关（r=0.49,P〈0.05）,治疗48周后相关性消失;HBeAg血清学转换与基线血清HBV DNA、HBeAg定量以及治疗12周后的HBV DNA转阴率有关。结论发生HBeAg血清学转换者较无转换者HBV DNA下降速度快,病毒转阴率高,基线HBeAg、HBV DNA载量低,可通过观察HBV DNA下降水平和转阴率预测核苷类似物的治疗效果。     

HBsAg定量与HBV-DNA联合检测在慢性乙型肝炎中的临床意义

目的 探讨慢性乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)感染患者表面抗原定量检测与HBV-DNA相关性,并探讨其检测临床意义.方法 检测2010年12月至2012年12月200例未接受抗病毒治疗及免疫调节剂治疗的慢性HBV感染患者治疗前、治疗中HBsAg与HBV-DNA水平,并随访20例治疗后HBV-DNA转阴患者HBsAg与HBV-DNA水平变化,探究HBsAg定量检测临床意义.结果 慢性乙型肝炎患者未接受抗病毒治疗及免疫调节剂治疗前HBeAg(+)患者HBsAg与HBV-DNA水平显著正相关(r =0.683,P＜0.05),HBeAg(-)患者两者正相关性,但相关性较低(r=0.273,P＜0.05).治疗过程中HBsAg与HBV-DNA水平呈正相关(r=0.41,P＜0.01),65.5％ (131/200)的变化规律为HBsAg随HBV-DNA含量的下降而下降.20例HBV-DNA治疗后转阴(HBV-DNA＜500拷贝/mL)患者,其中6例治疗期间HBsAg定量持续下降,HBsAg定量均＜ 250IU/mL,停药后24周复检HBV-DNA仍为阴性.14例治疗后乙肝病毒定量转阴患者(HBV-DNA＜ 500拷贝/mL),治疗期间HBsAg定量不降或上升,停药后24周复检病毒定量有4例(4/14)出现反弹(HBV-DNA＞ 500拷贝/mL).结论 血清HBsAg含量与HBV-DNA具有相关性,临床可将HBsAg含量与HBV-DNA联合检测,用于慢性HBV感染患者的病情程度预判,监测临床治疗疗效.     

拉米夫定与阿德福韦酯初始联合治疗HBeAg阳性慢性乙型肝炎96周疗效观察

目的 观察拉米夫定(LAM)和阿德福韦酯(ADV)初始联合治疗HBeAg阳性的慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)的长期疗效与安全性.方法 自首都医科大学附属北京地坛医院肝病中心2009年2月-2009年5月开始初始抗病毒治疗的HBeAg阳性CHB患者中,选择ETV单药治疗患者、LAM和ADV联合治疗患者各25例进行前瞻性观察;比较治疗96周时两组患者在病毒学应答率、生化学应答率及免疫学应答率等方面有无差异.结果 经过96周抗病毒治疗,取得完全病毒学应答的患者在ETV组为19/22例(86.4％),而联合治疗组仅有9/21例(42.9％),二者差异显著(x2=8.953,P=0.003);在肝脏生化学应答方面两组均取得明显改善;两组的HBeAg阴转、HBe血清学转换、HBsAg阴转等免疫控制指标均无明显变化.两组患者在为期96周的治疗随访过程中,均未发生病毒学突破或HBV DNA反跳.两组患者在为期96周的治疗随访过程中,未发现任何不良反应.两组患者的肾功能在基线及96周时均处于正常范围,且治疗前后无显著性差异.结论 在HBeAg阳性CHB初始抗病毒治疗患者中,应用ETV单药治疗组的96周病毒学应答率显著高于LAM和ADV联合治疗组.     

HBV pgRNA在HBV相关疾病中的表达及其临床意义

目的 探讨血清HBV 前基因组RNA(pgRNA)在HBV相关疾病中的表达及其临床意义。方法 收集90例慢性乙型肝炎、54例乙肝肝硬化和44例HBsAg阳性原发性肝癌患者血清样本,进行HBsAg、HBeAg、HBV DNA和HBV pgRNA检测。结果 血清HBV pgRNA水平在慢性乙型肝炎组、肝硬化组、肝癌组患者中的中位数分别为7.08、5.16 和4.08 log copies/mL ,差异有统计学意义(χ^2=24.743, P <0.001)。在HBeAg阳性患者中,HBV pgRNA水平在慢性乙型肝炎组、肝硬化组、肝癌组患者中逐渐降低,差异有统计学意义(χ^2=14.864, P <0.001);且血清HBV pgRNA水平与血清HBV DNA、HBsAg水平及HBeAg滴度呈正相关。而在HBeAg阴性患者中,血清HBV pgRNA水平与血清HBV DNA、HBsAg水平及HBeAg滴度无相关性。结论 血清HBV pgRNA水平在慢性乙型肝炎、肝硬化和肝癌患者中逐渐降低,且与HBV DNA、HBsAg水平及HBeAg滴度呈正相关。     

阿德福韦治疗慢性乙型肝炎过程中HBV DNA及丙氨酸氨基转移酶水平的变化

目的 研究新药阿德福韦(ADV)治疗慢性乙型肝炎过程中HBV DNA及丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)水平的变化情况,从而指导临床用药. 方法 采集16例慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者用ADV治疗前血清,即基线(BL)血清,以及持续服药12、16、28、40、48、52、68、80、92周共10个时段的系列血清.用荧光定量PCR法检测其HBV DNA的水平.用全自动生化仪检测其ALT的水平. 结果 从BL到48周时段,HBV DNA中位数显著下降;在52周,HBV DNA中位数出现反弹;从52至92周时段,HBVDNA中位数再次下降.16例不同时段血清ALIT中位数的变化与HBV DNA中位数变化一致.ADV治疗12周时,HBV DNA中位数较基线下降了2.34 lg拷贝/ml,无HBV DNA阴转、HBeAg血清学转换;治疗28周时,HBV DNA中位数较基线下降了2.91 lg拷贝/ml,有2例HBV DNA阴转、ALT恢复正常、HBeAg血清学转换;治疗40、48周时,HBV DNA中位数较基线分别显著下降了3.83、3.95 kg拷贝/ml,有4例HBV DNA阴转、ALT恢复正常、HBeAg血清学转换;治疗52周时,HBV DNA中位数较基线下降了2.90 lg拷贝/ml,出现反弹,但仍有4例HBV DNA阴转、ALT恢复正常、HBeAg血清学转换;治疗68、80、92周时,HBV DNA中位数较基线显著下降了3.51、3.81、4.01 lg拷贝/ml,分别有4、6、6例HBV DNA阴转、ALT恢复正常、HBeAg血清学转换.16例患者接受ADV治疗的两年中,有9例患者分别从16、28、40周开始HBV DNA的水平显著下降;7例患者HBV DNA的水平下降但不显著. 结论 阿德福韦治疗慢性乙型肝炎过程中,HBV DNA及ALT中位数的变化情况基本一致.52周时段HBV DNA水平出现反弹,提示52周可能是抗病毒的关键时段.     

慢性乙型肝炎外周血HBV-LHBs反式激活功能与抗病毒疗效关系的研究

目的 探究慢性乙型肝炎患者血清中乙型肝炎病毒外膜大蛋白分子(HBV-LHBs)反式激活功能与慢性乙型肝炎抗病毒治疗疗效关系.方法 对60例抗病毒治疗的慢性乙型肝炎患者采取每3个月进行HBV DNA、HBV-LHBs以及乙肝免疫标志物检测观察各指标间的变化.结果 入组时60例抗病毒组HBV DNA与HBV-LHBs检出率有较高的一致性检出结果,无统计学意义(P＞0.05),HBV-LHBs阳性率与HBeAg阳性率存在差异(X2=4.08,P＜0.05).经过24个月抗病毒治疗HBV-LHBs始终表达者29例,其中HBV DNA在24个月里出现转阴后反弹的20例、HBV DNA持续阳性未转阴者7例.60例患者24个月里未发现HBsAg血清转换,4例出现HBeAg血清转换.结论 (1)血清HBV-LHBs检测能够反映出乙肝病毒的复制情况与HBVDNA具有较好的相关性.(2)抗病毒治疗过程中动态观察HBV-LHBs的表达能够预测抗病毒治疗的有效性.     

分析Peg-IFNα-2b对HBsAg不同水平慢性乙型肝炎患者治疗疗效的预测因素

目的:分析Peg-IFNα-2b治疗HBsAg不同水平慢性乙型肝炎患者疗效的预测因素.方法:回顾性分析选取2020年6月-2022年4月在我院收治的HBsAg阳性慢性乙型肝炎患者83例,根据其HBsAg表面抗原的水平进行分组,分为A组,HBsAg≤20 IU?mL-1,n=17;B组,20 IU?mL-1相似文献   

Application strategies of serum HBV DNA detection in HBV infection patients: A retrospective study of 5611 specimens

The detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA plays a critical role in determining the level of viral replication in HBV-infected patients. However, how to select appropriate HBV DNA detection method, low-sensitivity (ls) and hypersensitivity (hs) remains unclear. In this study, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and hs HBV DNA titers in serum of 5611 cases with suspected HBV infection were reviewed. Besides, the dynamic changes of HBV DNA and HBsAg in 85 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving peginterferon α (PegIFNα) or entecavir (ETV) were observed. The results showed the positive rate of HBV DNA was 32.8%, of which low viral load (20 to 500 IU/mL) accounted for 51.8%. In the 5611 cases, when the HBsAg was less than 1000 IU/mL, the proportion of low viral load was 76.3%. Moreover, in patients receiving antiviral treatment, when HBsAg was less than 2000 IU/mL (PegIFNα) or HBsAg was less than 3500 IU/mL (ETV), the proportion of patients with low viral load was 79.5% or 78.0%, respectively. We developed a strategy of serum HBV DNA detection in HBV-infected patients. When HBsAg was negative, HBV DNA detection should be unnecessary. When HBsAg was 0.05 to 1000 IU/mL, hs HBV DNA should be detected in patients with abnormal level of ALT, AST, or HBeAg. While HBsAg was greater than or equal to 1000 IU/mL, ls HBV DNA was recommended. Moreover, the cutoff value of HBsAg increased during antiviral therapy of CHB patients. In conclusion, hs HBV DNA is of great value in HBV-infected patients with low viral load. HBV DNA detection methods should be selected reasonably according to the levels of HBsAg, HBeAg, ALT, and AST.     

Serum HBsAg levels during peginterferon α-2a treatment with or without thymosin α-1 in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients

The importance of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level as a surrogate marker for viral load and a predictor of treatment response remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum HBsAg correlates with serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA during peginterferon (PEG-IFN) α-2a treatment (with or without thymosin α-1) in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients and whether it can predict treatment response. Sera from 37 HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients receiving 48-weeks PEG-IFN α-2a with (n = 20) or without (n = 17) an initial 12-weeks thymosin α-1 were obtained at baseline and at weeks 12, 24, 36, 48 (end of treatment), 56, 72, 84, and 96 (end of follow-up). Taqman HBV DNA tests (Roche) and Architect HBsAg QT (Abbott) were performed. There was a moderate correlation between the HBsAg and HBV DNA levels (r = 0.452, P < 0.001). Median HBsAg levels at baseline and at week 96 were 6,218 IU/ml and 4,038 IU/ml, respectively. The mean HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were 7.48 log(10) IU/ml and 173 IU/L at baseline and 5.37 log(10) IU/ml and 102 IU/L at week 96, respectively. A decrease to <60% of baseline levels of HBsAg at week 12 was identified as an independent predictive factor for HBeAg seroconversion (OR = 45.7, P < 0.05) at week 96. Serum HBsAg levels may be helpful for predicting the response to PEG-IFN therapy in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients.     

Hepatitis B virus pre-genomic RNA and hepatitis B core-related antigen reductions at week 4 predict favourable hepatitis B surface antigen response upon long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue in chronic hepatitis B

Background/AimsWe investigated the dynamics of serum HBV pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA) and hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) in patients receiving nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) and their predictability for favourable suppression of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).MethodsSerum viral biomarkers were measured at baseline, weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 of treatment. Patients were followed up thereafter and serum HBsAg level was measured at end of follow-up (EOFU). Favourable HBsAg response (FHR) was defined as ≤100 IU/mL or HBsAg seroclearance upon EOFU.ResultsTwenty-eight hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and 36 HBeAg-negative patients (median, 38.2 years old; 71.9% male) were recruited with median follow-up duration of 17.1 years (interquartile range, 12.8–18.2). For the entire cohort, 22/64 (34.4%) achieved FHR. For HBeAg-positive patients, serum HBV pgRNA decline at week 4 was significantly greater for patients with FHR compared to non-FHR (5.49 vs. 4.32 log copies/mL, respectively; P=0.016). The area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUROC) for week 4 HBV pgRNA reduction to predict FHR in HBeAg-positive patients was 0.825 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.661–0.989). For HBeAg-negative patients, instead of increase in serum HBcrAg in non-FHR patients, FHR patients had median reduction in HBcrAg at week 4 (increment of 1.75 vs. reduction of 2.98 log U/mL; P=0.023). The AUROC for week 4 change of HBcrAg to predict FHR in HBeAg-negative patients was 0.789 (95% CI, 0.596–0.982).ConclusionsEarly on-treatment changes of serum HBV pgRNA and HBcrAg at 4 weeks predict HBsAg seroclearance or ≤100 IU/mL in NA-treated CHB patients upon long-term FU.     

Long-term outcomes after nucleos(t)ide analogue discontinuation in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients

Nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) resistance is an important clinical risk resulting from long-term therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) management. Discontinuation of NUCs is a feasible strategy to reduce resistance. We aimed to observe the outcomes after NUC withdrawal in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. A total of 97 patients (11 patients with HBsAg loss and 86 patients with sustained HBeAg seroconversion) were enrolled. HBV DNA levels and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were monitored regularly after discontinuation. Relapse was defined as HBV DNA levels >2000 IU/mL in at least two determinations more than 4 weeks apart. HBeAg seroconversion was achieved within 48 weeks (interquartile range (IQR), 24-72 weeks). The time on consolidation therapy was 96 weeks (IQR, 84-144 weeks). No relapses occurred for HBsAg loss patients. Evidence of relapse was observed in 9.3% of HBeAg seroconversion patients. All relapse cases occurred within 48 weeks after discontinuation. The time to relapse was 33 ± 15 weeks. Elevation of HBV DNA and ALT levels over baseline were only observed in 12.5% of relapse patients. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics (sex, HBV genotype, age or ALT levels) or time on consolidation therapy between patients with relapse or sustained response. NUC discontinuation in HBeAg-positive CHB patients is feasible after achieving HBeAg seroconversion at a minimum of 24 weeks. There is further benefit to prolonging the time on consolidation therapy to reduce relapse. More than 48 weeks of sustained response is a predictive marker for long-term sustained response.     

Diagnosing different stages of hepatitis B infection using a competitive polymerase chain reaction assay

PURPOSE: Different stages of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can be defined by serum HBV DNA levels. This study attempts to (1) investigate serum HBV DNA levels in inactive carriers and patients with chronic HBV (CHB) infection and (2) define cut-off value between inactive carriers and HBeAg (precore antigen of HBV) negative CHB patients in Indian population. METHODS: One hundred and forty samples encompassing 42 inactive HBsAg carriers and 98 CHB patients (53 HBeAg-positive and 45 HBeAg-negative) were analysed. Serum HBV DNA levels were determined employing an in-house competitive polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) assay. RESULTS: The HBeAg-positive patients were found to have the maximum median HBV DNA load, which was significantly higher than the HBeAg-negative ones (median; 1.25 x 10(8) vs. 2.30 x 10(5) copies/mL ; P<0.05). Interestingly, the latter group has significantly higher HBV DNA levels than the inactive carriers (median; 2.30 x 10(5) vs. 4.28 x 10(3) copies/mL; P<0.05). The 2.5 x 10(4) copies/ml HBV DNA levels were optimal for discriminating CHB patients (HBeAg-negative) from inactive carriers with 75.6 and 78.6% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the extensive overlapping of HBV DNA levels in inactive carriers and HBeAg negative CHB patients, 2.5 x 10(4) copies/mL is the most favourable cut-off value to classify these individuals and would be imperative in the better management of this dreadful disease.     

Correlation of serum hepatitis B surface antigen level with response to entecavir in naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B

Recent studies have suggested that quantifying the serum HBsAg levels can predict the response to pegylated interferon. We aimed to determine the change in serum HBsAg levels during entecavir (ETV) treatment and the correlation with treatment response in chronic HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative hepatitis B patients. Serial HBsAg levels were measured using the Architect assay (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL) in sera from 101 treatment‐naive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving ETV. During treatment, in HBeAg‐positive patients, the mean HBsAg level was 3.51, 3.22, 3.34, 3.36, and 3.40 log₁₀ IU/ml at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively, and there was no significant change compared with the baseline level, except the decline at 3 months (P = 0.009). In HBeAg‐negative patients, the mean level of serum HBsAg showed increase with 3.06, 3.09, 3.20, 3.26, and 3.27 log₁₀ IU/ml at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of treatment, respectively. In HBeAg‐positive patients, HBV‐DNA negativity (<2,000 copies/ml; P = 0.010) and HBsAg level <3,000 IU/ml (P = 0.026) at 3 months were independent predictors of HBeAg loss/seroconversion at 12 months. After 24 months of treatment, the HBsAg levels at baseline (P = 0.046) was an independent factor of HBeAg loss/seroconversion. In HBeAg‐negative patients, undetectable HBV DNA at 6 months was an independent factor predicting undetectable HBV DNA after 12 months of therapy. The level of serum HBsAg before and during therapy was a good predictor of HBeAg loss/seroconversion in naïve HBeAg‐positive CHB patients receiving entecavir. J. Med. Virol. 83:1178–1186, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Serum HBV DNA plus RNA reflecting cccDNA level before and during NAs treatment in HBeAg positive CHB patients

Background & Aims: Correlations between serum viral markers and intrahepatic cccDNA in patients undergoing long-term nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) treatment haven''t been fully explored. In this study, we evaluate the correlation between intrahepatic cccDNA and other serum viral markers and intrahepatic HBV DNA in HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients during 60-month treatment with NAs.Methods: Fifty-four HBeAg positive CHB patients received long-term NAs treatment were included in this study. Serial serum samples were regularly collected and quantitatively analyzed for HBsAg, HBV DNA, HBV RNA and HBcrAg. Histological samples from liver biopsy at baseline and month 60 were analyzed for intrahepatic HBV DNA and cccDNA.Results: At baseline, serum HBV DNA plus RNA was positively associated with intrahepatic cccDNA in multivariate regression analysis (β=0.205, P<0.001). In the correlation analysis between cccDNA and serum viral markers, HBV DNA plus RNA had the highest correlation coefficient (r=0.698, P<0.001), followed by serum HBV DNA (r=0.641, P<0.001), HBV RNA (r=0.590, P<0.001), and HBcrAg (r=0.564, P<0.001). At month 60, correlations between these serum viral markers and cccDNA were not observed (P>0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that only the decreased HBV DNA plus RNA was positively associated with cccDNA decline (β=0.172, P =0.006). Changes of HBV DNA plus RNA (r=0.525, P=0.001) was better correlated with cccDNA decline as compared to HBV RNA (r=0.384, P=0.008), HBV DNA (r=0.431, P=0.003), and HBsAg (r=0.342, P=0.029).Conclusions: Serum HBV DNA plus RNA better correlated with intrahepatic cccDNA than other viral makers before and during NAs treatment in HBeAg positive CHB patients.     

Serum hepatitis B surface antigen levels correlate with high serum HBV DNA levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a cross-sectional study

Purpose: The hallmark of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity for at least 6 months. Recently, serum levels of HBsAg have been compared with serum HBV DNA as a surrogate marker to monitor CHB patients. However, data correlating these two markers are scarce. Hence, the present study was done to correlate HBV DNA with HBsAg in CHB patients. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients of CHB were included. HBV DNA was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Serum HBsAg was measured by Architect HBsAg. Results: Of the 198 patients enrolled, 166 fulfilled the inclusion criteria (mean age 43 ± 14 years, 87% males) and the median HBV DNA was 1.7 × 10³ (range 6.0–1.1 × 10⁸) IU/ml. Median HBsAg was 8.7 × 10³ (range 5.0–3.2 × 10⁵) IU/ml. Overall correlation between HBV DNA and HBsAg was weak but significant (Spearman ρ = 0.443, P < 0.01). Correlation in HBe antigen-positive group was better (ρ = 0.402, P < 0.01) in comparison to HBe antigen-negative group (ρ = 0.193 P = 0.05). Good correlation existed in treatment-naïve group (ρ = 0.538, P < 0.01). Correlation was regardless of normal or raised alanine transaminase (ALT). Eighty (48%) patients had high HBV DNA (≥2000 IU/ml). Correlation in high DNA group was significant (P < 0.01). The best cut-off of HBsAg for diagnosing high DNA is 3.36 ×10³ IU/ml. Conclusions: Serum HBsAg correlates with HBV DNA in CHB patients, especially in high serum HBV DNA, HBe antigen-positive and treatment-naïve group. HBsAg levels can be used for predicting high serum HBV DNA levels.     

A cautionary note to hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative test results in pregnant women in an area prevalent of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B

Maternal hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg) positivity poses a risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). In resource-constrained settings, HBeAg testing is recommended as an alternative to HBV DNA testing to establish antiviral prophylaxis eligibility. Nevertheless, the high prevalence of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (e-CHB) in many countries should not be overlooked. We studied HBV characteristics and explored the potential MTCT risk among HBeAg-negative/HBsAg-positive expectant mothers in an area prevalent of e-CHB. Among 1348 pregnant mothers screened for HBV infection, 81 (6.0%) were HBsAg-positive. These women were examined for HBeAg, HBV DNA, and cord blood HBV DNA. Sixteen (19.8%) of the HBsAg-positive mothers were HBeAg-positive, whereas 65 (80.2%) were HBeAg-negative, including eight inactive carriers (HBsAg <100 IU/ml, HBV DNA ≤ 2000 IU/ml, and ALT < 40 IU/L). Of the remaining 57 HBeAg-negative mothers, ten revealed HBV Basal Core Promoter or Precore mutations, with three having high viremia (HBV DNA > 200 000 IU/mL), which is associated with a high MTCT risk and therefore qualifies them for antiviral prophylaxis. This pilot study provides a cautionary note to the interpretation of negative HBeAg test results when determining eligibility for MTCT antiviral prophylaxis in situations with limited resources and in regions where e-CHB is prevalent.     

Relationship between serum hepatitis B virus DNA and surface antigen with covalently closed circular DNA in HBeAg‐negative patients

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is responsible for viral persistence. This study aimed to investigate the serum surrogate markers for cccDNA and to evaluate the intrahepatic viral events associated with disease activity in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B patients. Thirty‐three treatment‐naïve patients with a negative HBeAg who had a liver biopsy were studied. Active disease was defined as a serum alanine aminotransferase >40 IU/L and a serum HBV DNA >10,000 copies/ml. This study showed significant correlation between serum HBV DNA and both log cccDNA (r = 0.41, P = 0.018) and log total intrahepatic HBV DNA (r = 0.71, P < 0.0001). No significant correlation was observed between serum HBsAg and log cccDNA (P = 0.15) or log total intrahepatic HBV DNA (P = 0.97). Fourteen and 19 patients had inactive and active disease, respectively. The median log cccDNA and log total intrahepatic HBV DNA (copies/10⁶ cells) were significantly higher in patients with active disease compared with those with inactive disease (4.11 vs. 3.53, P = 0.03 and 5.46 vs. 4.64, P < 0.001, respectively). The HBV replicative efficiency, defined as the ratio of serum HBV DNA to cccDNA, was approximately 20% higher in patients with active disease. No significant difference was observed in the HBsAg levels and the ratio of serum HBsAg to cccDNA between the two groups. In conclusion, serum HBV DNA, but not HBsAg, reflects the amount of cccDNA and the replication efficiency of HBV in patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B. J. Med. Virol. 82:1494–1500, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.