Robin Erken1, Vladimir V Loukachov2, Annikki de Niet3, Louis Jansen3, Femke Stelma3, Jeltje T Helder3, Martine W Peters3, Hans L Zaaijer4, Neeltje A Kootstra5, Sophie B Willemse1, Hendrik W Reesink1. 1. Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 2. Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 3. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 4. Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, Plesmanlaan 125, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 5. Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Abstract
Background: Currently available treatment options for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are not recommended for HBeAg-negative patients with a low viral load. These patients may however benefit from treatment by achieving a functional cure, defined by HBsAg-loss and undetectable HBV DNA. This study evaluated the long-term effect of combination treatment with peg-interferon-alpha-2a (peg-IFN) and adefovir or tenofovir compared to no treatment in these patients. Methods: HBeAg-negative CHB patients with HBV-DNA levels < 20,000 IU/mL (n = 151) were previously randomised 1:1:1 for peg-IFN 180 μg/week plus either adefovir 10 mg/day or tenofovir 245 mg/day, or no treatment and treated for 48 weeks in an open-label study. In this prospective long-term follow-up study, patients were monitored yearly up to five years after end of treatment (week 308). The primary outcome was sustained HBsAg-loss and secondary outcome the dynamics of HBsAg and HBV-DNA levels over time. Results: Of the 131 followed patients, the HBsAg-status was known for 118 patients after five-year follow-up. HBsAg-loss occurred similarly (P = 0.703) in all arms: 8/43 (18.6%) peg-IFN + adefovir, 4/34 (11.7%) peg-IFN + tenofovir, and 6/41 (14.6%) among the untreated patients. The time to HBsAg-loss did not differ between groups (P = 0.641). Low baseline HBsAg levels and genotype A were independently associated with HBsAg-loss irrespective of allocation. HBsAg and HBV-DNA levels declined similarly during follow-up in all patient groups. Conclusions: This prospective randomised controlled study showed that HBsAg-loss overtime was not influenced by treatment with a combination of nucleotide analogue and Peg-IFN. Low baseline HBsAg levels can predict HBsAg-loss irrespective of treatment allocation.
Background: Currently available treatment options for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are not recommended for HBeAg-negative patients with a low viral load. These patients may however benefit from treatment by achieving a functional cure, defined by HBsAg-loss and undetectable HBV DNA. This study evaluated the long-term effect of combination treatment with peg-interferon-alpha-2a (peg-IFN) and adefovir or tenofovir compared to no treatment in these patients. Methods: HBeAg-negative CHB patients with HBV-DNA levels < 20,000 IU/mL (n = 151) were previously randomised 1:1:1 for peg-IFN 180 μg/week plus either adefovir 10 mg/day or tenofovir 245 mg/day, or no treatment and treated for 48 weeks in an open-label study. In this prospective long-term follow-up study, patients were monitored yearly up to five years after end of treatment (week 308). The primary outcome was sustained HBsAg-loss and secondary outcome the dynamics of HBsAg and HBV-DNA levels over time. Results: Of the 131 followed patients, the HBsAg-status was known for 118 patients after five-year follow-up. HBsAg-loss occurred similarly (P = 0.703) in all arms: 8/43 (18.6%) peg-IFN + adefovir, 4/34 (11.7%) peg-IFN + tenofovir, and 6/41 (14.6%) among the untreated patients. The time to HBsAg-loss did not differ between groups (P = 0.641). Low baseline HBsAg levels and genotype A were independently associated with HBsAg-loss irrespective of allocation. HBsAg and HBV-DNA levels declined similarly during follow-up in all patient groups. Conclusions: This prospective randomised controlled study showed that HBsAg-loss overtime was not influenced by treatment with a combination of nucleotide analogue and Peg-IFN. Low baseline HBsAg levels can predict HBsAg-loss irrespective of treatment allocation.
Authors: Hannah S J Choi; Margo J H van Campenhout; Anneke J van Vuuren; Lisette A P Krassenburg; Milan J Sonneveld; Robert J de Knegt; Bettina E Hansen; Harry L A Janssen Journal: Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol Date: 2020-09-03 Impact factor: 11.382
Authors: Robin Erken; Vladimir Loukachov; Karel van Dort; Anne van den Hurk; R Bart Takkenberg; Anniki de Niet; Louis Jansen; Sophie Willemse; Henk Reesink; Neeltje Kootstra Journal: Hepatology Date: 2022-02-14 Impact factor: 17.298