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Hirode G, Hansen BE, Chen CH, Su TH, Wong GLH, Seto WK, d'Almeida AF, Papatheodoridi M, Brakenhoff SM, Lens S, Choi HSJ, Chien RN, Feld JJ, Forns X, Sonneveld MJ, Papatheodoridis GV, Vanwolleghem T, Yuen MF, Chan HLY, Kao JH, Hsu YC, Cornberg M, Jeng WJ, Janssen HLA. Limited Sustained Remission After Nucleos(t)ide Analog Withdrawal: Results From a Large, Global, Multiethnic Cohort of Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B (RETRACT-B Study). Am J Gastroenterol 2024:00000434-990000000-01070. [PMID: 38483300 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Complete viral suppression with nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) has led to a profound reduction in hepatocellular carcinoma and mortality among patients with chronic hepatitis B. Finite therapy yields higher rates of functional cure; however, initial hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations are almost certain after treatment interruption. We aimed to analyze off-treatment outcomes beyond 12 months after NA cessation. METHODS Patients with well-suppressed chronic hepatitis B who were hepatitis B e antigen-negative at NA cessation and remained off treatment without hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss at 12 months were included (n = 945). HBV DNA and ALT fluctuations were allowed within the first 12 months. We used Kaplan-Meier methods to analyze outcomes beyond 12 months. Sustained remission was defined as HBV DNA <2,000 IU/mL and ALT <2× upper limit of normal (ULN) and an ALT flare as ALT ≥5× ULN. RESULTS Cumulative probability of sustained remission was 29.7%, virological relapse was 65.2% with a mean peak HBV DNA of 5.0 ± 1.5 log 10 IU/mL, an ALT flare was 15.6% with a median peak ALT × ULN of 8.3 (5.7-11.3), HBsAg loss was 9.9% and retreatment was 34.9% at 48 months after NA cessation. A single occurrence of virological relapse or an ALT flare within the first 12 months off-treatment were associated with significantly lower rates of sustained remission beyond 12 months. DISCUSSION Despite allowing for HBV DNA and ALT fluctuations within the first 12 months off-treatment, most patients without HBsAg loss did not maintain a sustained response thereafter. The best candidates for NA withdrawal are patients with low HBsAg levels at NA cessation, and those without profound or recurrent virological and biochemical relapses in the first off-treatment year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grishma Hirode
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Tung-Hung Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Grace L H Wong
- Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Arno Furquim d'Almeida
- Viral Hepatitis Research Group, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Sylvia M Brakenhoff
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sabela Lens
- Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS and CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hannah S J Choi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xavier Forns
- Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS and CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Milan J Sonneveld
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- Viral Hepatitis Research Group, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Henry L Y Chan
- Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chun Hsu
- Center for Liver Diseases, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Centre for Individualized Infection Medicine (CiiM), Hannover, Germany
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Hirode G, Hansen BE, Chen CH, Su TH, Wong G, Seto WK, Van Hees S, Papatheodoridi M, Brakenhoff SM, Lens S, Choi HSJ, Chien RN, Feld JJ, Forns X, Sonneveld MJ, Papatheodoridis GV, Vanwolleghem T, Yuen MF, Chan HLY, Kao JH, Hsu YC, Cornberg M, Jeng WJ, Janssen HLA. Erratum: Incidence of Hepatic Decompensation After Nucleos(t)ide Analog Withdrawal: Results From a Large, International, Multiethnic Cohort of Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B (RETRACT-B Study). Am J Gastroenterol 2024:00000434-990000000-01058. [PMID: 38457250 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Grishma Hirode
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Tung-Hung Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Grace Wong
- Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Stijn Van Hees
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Sylvia M Brakenhoff
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sabela Lens
- Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS and CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hannah S J Choi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xavier Forns
- Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS and CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Milan J Sonneveld
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Henry L Y Chan
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chun Hsu
- E-DaHospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatolology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany; Centre for Individualized Infection Medicine (CiiM), Hannover, Germany
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Patmore LA, Katwaroe WK, van der Spek D, Choi HSJ, Patel K, Brakenhoff S, van der Meer AJ, Brouwer WP, van Kleef LA, de Knegt RJ, Hansen BE, de Man RA, Feld JJ, Janssen HLA, Sonneveld MJ. Association Between the Presence of Metabolic Comorbidities and Liver-Related Events in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:3089-3096.e1. [PMID: 37004973 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are at increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and (liver-related) mortality. In addition to hepatitis B-related factors, metabolic comorbidities may contribute to the progression of fibrosis. Therefore, we studied the association between metabolic comorbidities and adverse clinical outcomes in patients with CHB. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of CHB patients attending the Erasmus MC University Medical Center (Rotterdam, The Netherlands) and CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy at the Toronto General Hospital (Toronto, Canada). The presence of metabolic comorbidities (ie, overweight, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia) was assessed based on chart review. The primary end point was liver-related events, defined as the first composite of hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, or liver-related mortality. RESULTS We analyzed 1850 patients, of whom 926 (50.1%) were overweight, 161 (8.7%) had hypertension, 116 (6.3%) had dyslipidemia, and 82 (4.4%) had diabetes. During a median follow-up period of 7.3 years (interquartile range, 2.9-11.5 y), a total of 111 first events were recorded. Hypertension (hazard ratio [HR], 8.3; 95% CI, 5.5-12.7), diabetes (HR, 5.4; 95% CI, 3.2-9.1), dyslipidemia (HR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.6-4.8), and overweight (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.5) were associated with an increased risk for liver-related events. The presence of multiple comorbidities further increased the risk. Findings were consistent for patients with and without cirrhosis, among noncirrhotic hepatitis B e antigen-negative patients with hepatitis B virus DNA less than 2000 IU/mL and in multivariable analysis adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, hepatitis B e antigen status, hepatitis B virus DNA, use of antiviral therapy, and the presence of cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS Metabolic comorbidities in CHB patients are associated with an increased risk for liver-related events, with the highest risk observed in patients with multiple comorbidities. Findings were consistent in various clinically relevant subgroups, underscoring the need for thorough metabolic assessment in patients with CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley A Patmore
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Warshan K Katwaroe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel van der Spek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hannah S J Choi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Keyur Patel
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sylvia Brakenhoff
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan J van der Meer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willem P Brouwer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laurens A van Kleef
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob J de Knegt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob A de Man
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Milan J Sonneveld
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Hirode G, Hansen BE, Chen CH, Su TH, Wong G, Seto WK, Van Hees S, Papatheodoridi M, Brakenhoff SM, Lens S, Choi HSJ, Chien RN, Feld JJ, Forns X, Sonneveld MJ, Papatheodoridis GV, Vanwolleghem T, Yuen MF, Chan HLY, Kao JH, Hsu YC, Cornberg M, Jeng WJ, Janssen HLA. Incidence of Hepatic Decompensation After Nucleos(t)ide Analog Withdrawal: Results From a Large, International, Multiethnic Cohort of Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B (RETRACT-B Study). Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:1601-1608. [PMID: 36719174 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite improvements in the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma remains. While hepatitis B surface antigen loss is the optimal end point, safe discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy is controversial because of the possibility of severe or fatal reactivation flares. METHODS This is a multicenter cohort study of virally suppressed, end-of-therapy (EOT) hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative CHB patients who stopped NA therapy (n = 1,557). Survival analysis techniques were used to analyze off-therapy rates of hepatic decompensation and differences by patient characteristics. We also examined a subgroup of noncirrhotic patients with consolidation therapy of ≥12 months before cessation (n = 1,289). Hepatic decompensation was considered related to therapy cessation if diagnosed off therapy or within 6 months of starting retreatment. RESULTS Among the total cohort (11.8% diagnosed with cirrhosis, 84.2% start-of-therapy HBeAg-negative), 20 developed hepatic decompensation after NA cessation; 10 events were among the subgroup. The cumulative incidence of hepatic decompensation at 60 months off therapy among the total cohort and subgroup was 1.8% and 1.1%, respectively. The hepatic decompensation rate was higher among patients with cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR] 5.08, P < 0.001) and start-of-therapy HBeAg-positive patients (HR 5.23, P < 0.001). This association between start-of-therapy HBeAg status and hepatic decompensation remained significant even among the subgroup (HR 10.5, P < 0.001). DISCUSSION Patients with cirrhosis and start-of-therapy HBeAg-positive patients should be carefully assessed before stopping NAs to prevent hepatic decompensation. Frequent monitoring of viral and host kinetics after cessation is crucial to determine patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grishma Hirode
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Tung-Hung Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Grace Wong
- Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Stijn Van Hees
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Sylvia M Brakenhoff
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sabela Lens
- Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS and CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hannah S J Choi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xavier Forns
- Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS and CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Milan J Sonneveld
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Henry L Y Chan
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chun Hsu
- E-DaHospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatolology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany; Centre for Individualized Infection Medicine (CiiM), Hannover, Germany
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Choi HSJ, Hirode G, Chen CH, Su TH, Seto WK, Van Hees S, Papatheodoridi M, Lens S, Wong GLH, Brakenhoff SM, Chien RN, Feld JJ, Sonneveld MJ, Chan HLY, Forns X, Papatheodoridis GV, Vanwolleghem T, Yuen MF, Hsu YC, Kao JH, Cornberg M, Hansen BE, Jeng WJ, Janssen HLA. Differential Relapse Patterns After Discontinuation of Entecavir vs Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in Chronic Hepatitis B. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 21:1513-1522.e4. [PMID: 35863683 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Whether entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) differentially affect relapse and outcomes following treatment discontinuation across different patient subpopulations remains unclear. We aimed to compare rates of off-therapy hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss, virological and clinical relapse, and retreatment between chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who discontinued TDF or ETV therapy. METHODS This study included 1402 virally suppressed CHB patients who stopped either ETV (n = 981) or TDF (n = 421) therapy between 2001 and 2020 from 13 participating centers across North America, Europe, and Asia. All patients were hepatitis B e antigen-negative at treatment discontinuation. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to balance the treatment groups. Outcomes were analyzed using survival methods. RESULTS During a median off-treatment follow-up of 18 months, HBsAg loss occurred in 96 (6.8%) patients overall. Compared with ETV, TDF was associated with a higher rate of HBsAg loss (P = .03); however, the association was no longer significant after statistical adjustment (P = .61). Virological relapse occurred earlier among TDF-treated patients (P < .01); nonetheless, rates became comparable after the first year off therapy (P = .49). TDF was significantly associated with a higher clinical relapse rate than ETV throughout follow-up (P < .01). The development of a virological or clinical relapse did not affect the rate of HBsAg loss. Retreatment rates were not significantly different between the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS TDF and ETV have differential relapse patterns but are associated with similar rates of HBsAg loss and retreatment following discontinuation. Finite therapy can be considered for CHB patients on either TDF or ETV therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S J Choi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Grishma Hirode
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Stijn Van Hees
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Margarita Papatheodoridi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Sabela Lens
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Grace L H Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sylvia M Brakenhoff
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milan J Sonneveld
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henry L Y Chan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xavier Forns
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - George V Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yao-Chun Hsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Centre for Individualized Infection Medicine, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Fung S, Choi HSJ, Gehring A, Janssen HLA. Getting to HBV cure: The promising paths forward. Hepatology 2022; 76:233-250. [PMID: 34990029 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chronic HBV infection is a global public health burden estimated to impact nearly 300 million persons worldwide. Despite the advent of potent antiviral agents that effectively suppress viral replication, HBV cure remains difficult to achieve because of the persistence of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), HBV-DNA integration into the host genome, and impaired immune response. Indefinite treatment is necessary for most patients to maintain level of viral suppression. The success of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C treatment has rejuvenated the search for a cure for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), though an HBV cure likely requires an additional layer: immunomodulators for restoration of robust immune responses. DAAs such as entry inhibitors, capsid assembly modulators, inhibitors of subviral particle release, cccDNA silencers, and RNA interference molecules have reached clinical development. Immunomodulators, namely innate immunomodulators (Toll-like receptor agonists), therapeutic vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies, are also progressing toward clinical development. The future of the HBV cure possibly lies in triple combination therapies with concerted action on replication inhibition, antigen reduction, and immune stimulation. Many obstacles remain, such as overcoming translational failures, choosing the right endpoint using the right biomarkers, and leveraging current treatments in combination regimens to enhance response rates. This review gives an overview of the current therapies for CHB, HBV biomarkers used to evaluate treatment response, and development of DAAs and immune-targeting drugs and discusses the limitations and unanswered questions on the journey to an HBV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Fung
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hannah S J Choi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam Gehring
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Hirode G, Choi HSJ, Chen CH, Su TH, Seto WK, Van Hees S, Papatheodoridi M, Lens S, Wong G, Brakenhoff SM, Chien RN, Feld J, Sonneveld MJ, Chan HLY, Forns X, Papatheodoridis GV, Vanwolleghem T, Yuen MF, Hsu YC, Kao JH, Cornberg M, Hansen BE, Jeng WJ, Janssen HLA. Off-Therapy Response After Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Withdrawal in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B: An International, Multicenter, Multiethnic Cohort (RETRACT-B Study). Gastroenterology 2022; 162:757-771.e4. [PMID: 34762906 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Functional cure, defined based on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss, is rare during nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy and guidelines on finite NA therapy have not been well established. We aim to analyze off-therapy outcomes after NA cessation in a large, international, multicenter, multiethnic cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS This cohort study included patients with virally suppressed CHB who were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative and stopped NA therapy. Primary outcome was HBsAg loss after NA cessation, and secondary outcomes included virologic, biochemical, and clinical relapse, alanine aminotransferase flare, retreatment, and liver-related events after NA cessation. RESULTS Among 1552 patients with CHB, cumulative probability of HBsAg loss was 3.2% at 12 months and 13.0% at 48 months of follow-up. HBsAg loss was higher among Whites (vs Asians: subdistribution hazard ratio, 6.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.7-16.8; P < .001) and among patients with HBsAg levels <100 IU/mL at end of therapy (vs ≥100 IU/mL: subdistribution hazard ratio, 22.5; 95% confidence interval, 13.1-38.7; P < .001). At 48 months of follow-up, Whites with HBsAg levels <1000 IU/mL and Asians with HBsAg levels <100 IU/mL at end of therapy had a high predicted probability of HBsAg loss (>30%). Incidence rate of hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma was 0.48 per 1000 person-years and 0.29 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Death occurred in 7/19 decompensated patients and 2/14 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS The best candidates for NA withdrawal are virally suppressed, HBeAg- negative, noncirrhotic patients with CHB with low HBsAg levels, particularly Whites with <1000 IU/mL and Asians with <100 IU/mL. However, strict surveillance is recommended to prevent deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grishma Hirode
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; The Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hannah S J Choi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Tung-Hung Su
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special administrative regions of China
| | - Stijn Van Hees
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Sabela Lens
- Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS and CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Grace Wong
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special administrative regions of China
| | - Sylvia M Brakenhoff
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Jordan Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; The Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Milan J Sonneveld
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henry L Y Chan
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special administrative regions of China
| | - Xavier Forns
- Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS and CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special administrative regions of China
| | - Yao-Chun Hsu
- E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany Centre for Individualized Infection Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; The Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; The Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network, Toronto, Canada.
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8
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Choi HSJ, Sonneveld MJ, Farag MS, Brouwer WP, Brakenhoff SM, Hirode G, Gehring AJ, de Man RA, Hansen BE, Janssen HLA. Effects of on-treatment ALT flares on serum HBsAg and HBV RNA in patients with chronic HBV infection. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1729-1737. [PMID: 34514678 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
As pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-α) is increasingly used in combination regimens of novel drugs, we aimed to characterize ALT flares and their relationship with serum HBsAg and HBV RNA kinetics in a large combined cohort of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients on PEG-IFN-α-based therapy. In this post hoc analysis of four international randomized trials, 269/130/124/128 patients on PEG-IFN-α monotherapy, PEG-IFN-α plus nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) de novo combination, PEG-IFN-α add-on to NA or NA monotherapy were included, respectively. A flare was defined as an episode of ALT ≥5 × ULN. The association between flares and HBsAg and HBV RNA changes were examined. On-treatment flares occurred in 83/651 (13%) patients (median timing/magnitude: week 8 [IQR 4-12], 7.6 × ULN [IQR 6.2-10.5]). Flare patients were more often Caucasians with genotype A/D and had higher baseline ALT, HBV DNA, HBV RNA and HBsAg levels than the no-flare group. More flares were observed on PEG-IFN-α monotherapy (18%) and PEG-IFN+NA de novo combination (24%) vs. PEG-IFN-α add-on (2%) or NA monotherapy (1%) (p < .001). On-treatment flares were significantly and independently associated with HBsAg and HBV RNA decline ≥1 log10 at the final visit declines started shortly before the flare, progressing towards 24 weeks thereafter. On-treatment flares were seen in 16/22 (73%) patients who achieved HBsAg loss. In conclusion, ALT flares during PEG-IFN-α treatment are associated with subsequent HBsAg and HBV RNA decline and predict subsequent HBsAg loss. Flares rarely occurred during PEG-IFN-α add-on therapy and associated with low HBsAg loss rates. Combination regimens targeting the window of heightened response could be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S J Choi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Milan J Sonneveld
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mina S Farag
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Willem P Brouwer
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvia M Brakenhoff
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Grishma Hirode
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adam J Gehring
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rob A de Man
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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9
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van Kleef LA, Choi HSJ, Brouwer WP, Hansen BE, Patel K, de Man RA, Janssen HLA, de Knegt RJ, Sonneveld MJ. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease increases risk of adverse outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis B. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100350. [PMID: 34557660 PMCID: PMC8446794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims A recent consensus document has defined metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) as hepatic steatosis together with overweight, diabetes, and/or a combination of other metabolic risk factors. The clinical relevance of this novel diagnosis is unknown among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We studied the association between MAFLD (with or without steatohepatitis) and adverse clinical outcomes in patients with CHB. Methods We performed a retrospective long-term follow-up cohort study at 2 tertiary hospitals in patients with CHB who underwent liver biopsy. Biopsies were reassessed for steatosis, degree of fibrosis, and presence of steatohepatitis. Associations with event-free hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-free and transplant-free survival were explored. Results In our cohort, 1076 patients were included, median follow-up was 9.8 years (25th-75th percentile: 6.6-14.0), and 107 events occurred in 78 patients, comprising death (n = 43), HCC (n = 36), liver decompensation (n = 21), and/or liver transplantation (n = 7). MAFLD was present in 296 (27.5%) patients and was associated with reduced event-free (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.00, 95% CI 1.26-3.19), HCC-free (aHR 1.93, 95% CI 1.17-3.21), and transplant-free survival (aHR 1.80, 95% CI 0.98-3.29) in multivariable analysis. Among patients with MAFLD, the presence of steatohepatitis (p = 0.95, log-rank test) was not associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusions The presence of MAFLD in patients with CHB was associated with an increased risk for liver-related clinical events and death. Among patients with MAFLD, steatohepatitis did not increase the risk of adverse outcomes. Our findings highlight the importance of metabolic dysfunction in patients with CHB. Lay summary Recently, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been defined as fatty liver disease with signs of metabolic dysfunction. Among patients with chronic hepatitis B, MAFLD was associated with liver-related events and death. Metabolic health assessment should be encouraged among patients with chronic hepatitis B, especially in those with fatty liver disease.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- Adverse clinical outcomes
- CHB
- CHB, chronic hepatitis B
- Chronic hepatitis B
- FLD, fatty liver disease
- HBV
- HCC
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HR, hazard rate
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- MAFLD
- MAFLD, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NAS, NAFLD activity score
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- NHANES, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
- P25–P75, 25th–75th percentile
- Steatohepatitis
- Survival
- ULN, upper limit of normal
- aHR, adjusted hazard rate
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens A van Kleef
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hannah S J Choi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Willem P Brouwer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Keyur Patel
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert A de Man
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert J de Knegt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Milan J Sonneveld
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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10
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Choi HSJ, van Campenhout MJH, van Vuuren AJ, Krassenburg LAP, Sonneveld MJ, de Knegt RJ, Hansen BE, Janssen HLA. Ultra-Long-term Follow-up of Interferon Alfa Treatment for HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19:1933-1940.e1. [PMID: 32890755 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is finite and leads to relatively higher functional cure rates (HBsAg loss) than nucleo(s)tide analogue (NA) therapy. Effects of pegylated (PEG)/conventional IFN-α treatment on clinical outcomes were evaluated in an ultra-long-term follow-up of CHB patients. METHODS HBeAg-positive patients treated with (PEG)IFN-α at a tertiary referral centre between 1977-2014 were included. We reviewed medical charts and consulted the municipal registry for patient information. Patients were invited for a single visit at the outpatient clinic in the case of missing follow-up data. The endpoints included serum HBeAg/HBsAg loss and incidence of clinical events, using life table methods and person-years to analyze the incidence of events. Patients were censored upon retreatment. RESULTS The study cohort included 267 patients, 67% male, 58% Caucasian, with a median age of 32 years. The median follow-up duration was 11.5 years. The 5 and 10-year cumulative incidence of HBsAg loss were 14% and 32%, respectively. Baseline factors associated with a higher rate of HBsAg loss were male sex, Caucasian race, genotype A, age ≥40 years, and cirrhosis. HBsAg loss rates did not differ significantly between those who received short-term (≤24 weeks) vs long-term (>24 weeks) therapy. Both HBeAg and HBsAg loss were significantly associated with improved clinical outcomes. Early response (HBeAg loss) was associated with more HBsAg loss and better patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS During long-term follow-up, high rates of HBsAg loss were observed from a single (PEG)IFN-α course. Its persistent effects suggest that a role for IFN-α remains, potentially in novel combination therapies in search of a functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S J Choi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margo J H van Campenhout
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anneke J van Vuuren
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette A P Krassenburg
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Milan J Sonneveld
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert J de Knegt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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11
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Choi HSJ, Brouwer WP, Zanjir WMR, de Man RA, Feld JJ, Hansen BE, Janssen HLA, Patel K. Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Is Associated With Liver-Related Outcomes and All-Cause Mortality in Chronic Hepatitis B. Hepatology 2020; 71:539-548. [PMID: 31309589 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are increasingly observed together in clinical practice, and development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represents another leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Our aims were to determine whether biopsy-proven NASH impacts clinical outcomes in CHB patients and assess prognostic risk factors. APPROACH AND RESULTS CHB patients attending two tertiary centers in North America and Europe over 13 years with available clinical and biopsy data were included. Patients were categorized as no-NASH or probable/definite NASH based on standardized histological assessment. Clinical events (death, decompensation, transplant, and hepatoma) were evaluated, and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to analyze the incidence of events. There were 1,089 CHB patients, classified as no-NASH (n = 904, 83%) or NASH (n = 185, 17%), with 52 (6%) versus 27 (15%) experiencing outcome events during follow-up, respectively. In the multivariable analysis adjusting for age, sex, hepatitis B e antigen serostatus, and diabetes, the presence of NASH and concomitant advanced fibrosis (AF) was significantly associated with clinical outcomes (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 4.8 [2.6-9.0], P < 0.01) when compared to absence of NASH and AF (reference). NASH and AF were associated with a greater risk of outcomes compared to AF (P = 0.01) or NASH alone (P < 0.01). Of the three histological determinants of NASH, ballooning and inflammation, but not steatosis, were independently associated with clinical outcomes (P < 0.05) in place of NASH. NASH was significantly associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and death (P < 0.01) but not decompensation (P = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS In our large combined tertiary center cohort, patients with concomitant NASH and CHB had more AF and shorter time to development of liver-related outcomes or death compared to patients with CHB alone. Among patients with AF, superimposed NASH predicted poorer clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S J Choi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Willem P Brouwer
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wayel M R Zanjir
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert A de Man
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Keyur Patel
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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12
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Choi HSJ, Brouwer WP, Hansen BE, Janssen HLA, Patel K. Reply. Hepatology 2020; 71:769. [PMID: 31593309 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S J Choi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Willem P Brouwer
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Keyur Patel
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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