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Elsevier, Gastroenterology, 2(141), p. 517-525.e2, 2011
DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.04.046
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Serum Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels Predict Surface Antigen Loss in Hepatitis B E Antigen Seroconverters
,
Tung–Hung Su ,
Chia–Chi Wang,
Chi–Ling Chen,
Pei–Jer Chen ,
Ding–Shinn Chen,
Jia–Horng Kao ,
Tai-Chung;Liu Chun-Jen;Su Tung-Hung;Wang Chia-Chi;Chen Chi-Ling;Chen Pei-Jer;Chen Ding-Shinn;Kao Jia-Horng Tseng
Full text: Unavailable
Abstract
Background & Aims Loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg ) usually indicates that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been cured. However, little is known about factors predicting HBsAg loss in patients who spontaneously clear hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). Methods We studied 390 Taiwanese HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis who had spontaneously cleared HBeAg (seroconversion) during follow-up. Serum levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg were determined 1 year after HBeAg seroconversion, and their relationships with subsequent HBsAg loss were investigated. Results In a mean follow-up of 7.4 years, the average annual rate of HBsAg loss was 0.62%. Serum levels of HBsAg and HBV DNA were inversely associated with HBsAg loss in a dose-response manner. Compared with patients with HBsAg levels ?1000 IU/mL, the HBsAg loss rate was higher for those with HBsAg levels of 100 to 999 and