Abstract:
Objective To explore the influence of HBeAg seroconversion on virological relapse in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients who stopped nucleos (t) ide analogues therapy.Methods We retrospectively studied 60 HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who had stopped nucleos (t) ide analogues therapy.The total duration of treatment was ≥ 12 months.ALT, HBV DNA and HBV serological markers were measured respectively at baseline, every month before HBV DNA<1.0×103copies/ml, and every 3 month after HBV DNA<1.0×103copies/ml.After the drug withdrawal, we continued to follow up for at least 6 months, to observe whether or not there were relapse.HBeAg loss/seroconversion occurred at the end of the therapy were analyzed for relapse.For those patients who had HBeAg seroconversion, relapse rates in 3 groups according to duration of additional treatment (≤ 12 months, 12-24 months, > 24 months) were compared.Results Of 60 patients, 60% (36cases) relapsed within 6 months.8 cases were without HBeAg loss (A) , 100% relapsed within 4 months after drug withdrawal;6 cases occurred HBeAg loss but without HBeAb (B) , 83.3% (5 cases) relapsed within 6 months;46 cases occurred HBeAg seroconversion (C) , 50% (23 cases) relapsed within 6 months, χ2=11.585, P=0.003.There was statistical significance between A group and C group, χ2=6.84, P=0.015;But there was no statistical significance between B group and A group, χ2=1.333, P=0.248, and between B group and C group, χ2=2.327, P=0.199;For 46 patients who occurred HBeAg seroconversion, patients were assigned to the 3 groups (A, B, C) ≤ 12 months (11cases) , 12-24 months (23cases) , > 24 months (12cases) respectively.The relapse rates of group A, B, and C at 6 months were 100% (11cases) , 47.8% (11cases) , 8.3% (1case) respectively, χ2=19.377, P=0.000.There was statistical significance between A group and B group, χ2=8.609, P=0.003;between A group and C group, χ2=19.326, P=0.000;between B group and C group, χ2=5.303, P=0.027.Conclusion HBeAg seroconversion can be seen as a basic end point in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.when duration of additional treatment after HBeAg seroconversion are ≤ 12 months, relapse rate after drug withdrawal is still high.If the duration of additional treatment after HBeAg seroconversion are > 24 months, it is expected to gain sustained virological response, but all patients should be closely followed up within 6 months after the drug withdrawal.