Very slow decline of hepatitis B virus surface antigen and core related antigen in chronic hepatitis B patients successfully treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues

J Med Virol. 2018 May;90(5):989-993. doi: 10.1002/jmv.25028. Epub 2018 Jan 30.

Abstract

We investigated the decline of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and core related antigen (HBcrAg) in chronic hepatitis B patients sussessfully treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues. In patients with plasma viral suppression, the baseline median levels of HBsAg and HBcrAg were 3.1 and 3.0 log U/mL, respectively. The levels in naïve patients were 4.2 and 3.6 log U/mL for HBsAg and HBcrAg, respectively. No significant decline was observed in patients with viral suppression within a year period. A low reduction was observed during the first months after treatment initiation, especially regarding HBcrAg. The dynamics of these antigens after viral suppression should be further investigated.

Keywords: HBV; HBcrAg; HBsAg; chronic hepatitis; nucleos(t)ide analogues.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens / blood*
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / blood*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sustained Virologic Response*
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens