Regression of liver fibrosis after seroclearance of
hepatitis B surface antigen: a prospective matched case-control study using transient elastography and serum Enhanced Liver Fibrosis test (abridged secondary publication)
LY Mak, MF Yuen, WK Seto, J Fung, DKH Wong
Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Chronic hepatitis B infection is usually lifelong. Only 0.5% to 2.0% of patients per year achieve functional cure, defined as seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), which is associated with a lower risk of liver cancer.
- It remains unclear whether HBsAg loss is associated with regression in liver fibrosis.
- Assessments via imaging (transient elastography) and a serum-based biomarker (Enhanced Liver Fibrosis test score) showed that HBsAg loss was not associated with a higher rate of liver fibrosis regression at 3 years.
- Age at HBsAg loss has prognostic implications for advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis risks. Patients achieving HBsAg seroclearance after age 50 years should receive ongoing surveillance for liver-related complications.