Evaluation of HBsAg and HBeAg seroconversion rates in patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B: A 10-year retrospective analysis.

Abstract

Objectives: To analyze the seroconversion rates over a ten-year follow-up period. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a critical public health concern globally. The seroconversion rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBe Ag) are pivotal in evaluating treatment efficacy. Treatment cessation is guided by the identification of patients who have HBsAg seroclearance and HBeAg seroconversion.

Methods: A 2,300 CHB patients treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) from 2013 to 2023 included the study. Based on their alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and HBeAg status, patients were divided into four phases and assessed the rates of HBsAg seroclearance and HBeAg seroconversion.

Results: Among the 114 analyzed patients, HBsAg seroclearance occurred in 18 individuals (0.7%), and HBeAg seroconversion was documented in 53 patients. A significantly higher rate of HBeAg seroconversion in patients treated with Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) compared to Entecavir (ETV). The mean time to HBeAg seroconversion with TDF demonstrating a faster response. Notably, TDF was also prominent among those achieving HBsAg seroclearance.

Conclusion: This study underscores the potential superiority of TDF over ETV in facilitating seroconversion. The findings highlight the critical role of antiviral therapy in managing CHB and prompt further investigation influencing treatment outcomes.