Predictive value of HBsAg and HBeAg quantitation on virological response of HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B patients

Abstract

Objective To explore predictive value of HBsAg and HBeAg quantitation on virological response of HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients 48 weeks after treatment with entecavir. Methods There were 64 HBeAg positive patients enrolled with entecavir (0.5 mg/d) treatment for 48 weeks. Serum HBsAg and HBeAg were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) and were quantified at baseline and throughout the antiviral therapy period (week 12 and 24). The relationship between the dynamic changes and the virological response was analyzed, and the predictive values of HBsAg and HBeAg quantitation were compared by ROC curve, in order to determine the best critical value. Results A total of 8 patients achieved complete response among 64 patients. It showed that HBeAg was lower than 9.25COI by week 24 (OR=45.000, P<0.01, positive predictive value= 71.43%, negative predictive value=94.74%) , and HBeAg declined more than 97.1% compared with the baseline by week 24 (OR=71.400, P<0.01, positive predictive value=58.33%, negative predictive value=98.08%) , which was predictors related to complete response. Conclusions Serum HBsAg and HBeAg levels have predictive value for complete response at 48 weeks of HBeAg positive patients treated with entecavir, and the decline of HBeAg level can better predict antiviral efficacy. Key words: Hepatitis B, chronic; Hepatitis B e antigens; Hepatitis B surface antigens; Entecavir