Long-term outcomes of HBsAg/anti-HBs double-positive versus HBsAg single-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B

Sci Rep. 2019 Dec 19;9(1):19417. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-56015-8.

Abstract

The coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs has been reported in some chronic hepatitis B patients; however, the long-term outcomes of this serological profile have not been elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of HBsAg/anti-HBs double-positive chronic hepatitis B patients. Chronic hepatitis B patients who underwent baseline abdominal ultrasonography and follow-up (HBsAg/anti-HBs assessment and abdominal ultrasonography) at our healthcare center were included. The "coexistence group" included patients positive for both HBsAg and anti-HBs and the "control group" included patients positive for only HBsAg during follow-up. The outcomes were hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence, HBsAg seroclearance and overall mortality. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed. Of the 2,341 eligible patients, 166 (7.1%) were in the coexistence group. The total follow-up duration was 5.4 years. The coexistence group had a 3.08-fold higher risk of HCC than the control group [hazard ratio (HR) 3.08, 95% confidence interval(CI) 1.26-7.55, P = 0.014] in multivariate analysis. The coexistence group had more HBsAg seroclearance than the control group (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.01-2.03, P = 0.046). However, overall mortality did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. The coexistence group is heterogeneous and includes subjects with unfavorable outcomes (incidence of HCC) and favorable outcomes (more HBsAg seroclearance).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / blood
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / blood
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / mortality
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens