Predictive Factors for Early HBeAg Seroconversion in Acute Exacerbation of Patients With HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B

Background & Aims

This study aimed to identify the predictors for early hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion following acute exacerbation (AE) in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods

A total of 151 patients with HBeAg-positive CHB and AE were consecutively enrolled. AE was defined as an elevation of alanine aminotransferase level to more than 5 times the upper limit of normal and more than twice the patients' baseline value. Early HBeAg seroconversion was defined as HBeAg loss and the appearance of hepatitis B e antibody within 6 months of AE. Clinical and laboratory data were compared between an early HBeAg seroconversion group and a nonearly HBeAg seroconversion group.

Results

All patients had genotype C hepatitis B virus (HBV). Early HBeAg seroconversion occurred in 35.5% (39/110). Under univariate analysis, age, transmission mode, disease status, and serum HBV DNA level were associated with early HBeAg seroconversion. Multivariate analysis showed that nonvertical transmission mode (RR, 3.681; 95% CI, 1.279–10.592; P = .016) and low serum HBV DNA levels (≤ log [copies/mL]; RR, 6.891; 95% CI, 2.165–21.935; P = .001) were independent predictors.

Conclusions

Patients with CHB with genotype C may have a higher chance of early HBeAg seroconversion after AE in the context of nonvertical transmission and/or had low serum HBV DNA levels (≤7 log [copies/mL]) at AE. Therefore, we should take into account transmission modes and serum HBV DNA levels when choosing appropriate management strategies for patients who exhibit AE of HBeAg-positive CHB with genotype C.

Abbreviations used in this paper: CHB, chronic hepatitis B, ULN, upper limit of normal