Hepatitis B surface antigen levels after hepatitis B e-antigen seroclearance: a longitudinal follow-up study

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) role post-hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) seroclearance is unclear.
• Understanding predictors of viremia and flares is crucial for managing chronic hepatitis B.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the predictive value of HBsAg levels for significant viremia and hepatitis flares after HBeAg seroclearance.
• To identify factors associated with significant viremia and hepatitis flares in chronic hepatitis B patients.

Main Methods:

• Study included 228 chronic hepatitis B patients with spontaneous HBeAg seroclearance.
• Regular follow-up (3-6 months) with liver biochemistry and serology.
• Hepatitis B virus DNA and HBsAg levels measured annually for up to 5 years.

Main Results:

• No significant correlation between HBsAg and HBV DNA levels post-HBeAg seroclearance.
• HBV DNA levels significantly decreased over 5 years, while HBsAg levels remained stable.
• Hepatitis flares occurred in 33.3% of patients; associated with older age, male gender, and higher baseline HBV DNA, not HBsAg levels.

Conclusions:

• HBsAg levels post-HBeAg seroclearance do not predict significant viremia or hepatitis flares.
• HBV DNA levels are associated with subsequent viremia and flares.
• Older age and male gender are linked to significant viremia.