Hepatitis B virus reactivation in HBV DNA-negative patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after transarterial chemoembolization

Abstract

Objective To evaluate risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with undetectable HBV DNA levels. Methods From August 2012 to Sepemter 2015, all patients who underwent TACE for HBV-related HCC with HBV DNA level less than 103 copies/ml in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were enrolled into the study. These patients were followed-up for at least 6 months after TACE to assess HBV reactivation. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to evaluate the risk factors related to HBV reactivation in these patients. Results With predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 99 patients were enrolled into the study. Twenty-four patients (24.2%) developed HBV reactivation after TACE in the followed-up period. The level of transaminase was significantly higher in the HBV reactivation group than the non HBV reactivation group (P<0.05). HBeAg positivity and tumors more than 3 in number were independent risk factors of HBV reactivation. Conclusion HCC patients with undetectable levels of HBV DNA had a significant risk of HBV reactivation after TACE. Key words: Hepatocellular carcinoma; Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization; Hepatitis B virus; Reactivation