A persistently low HBV DNA level is a predictor of spontaneous HBsAg clearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Abstract

Bckground/aim: The incidence and predictors of spontaneous hepatitis B surface-antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) were evaluated. Materials and methods: A total of 1427 patients with chronic HBV infection, who were followed between 1994 and 2013, were investigated in this retrospective study. All data were extracted from patient files. Results: Spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance occurred in 84 patients during 8798 person-years of follow-up. The patients were categorized into 3 groups at follow-up based on HBV DNA features as continuously 10,000 copies/mL (Group C). Alanine aminotransferase features in the 2 groups were categorized as continuously normal (40 U/L. Spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance was seen primarily in patients with Group A HBV DNA features, and continuously low HBV DNA values were the main predictor of HBsAg seroclearance (P < 0.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that a continuously low viral load is the most important factor affecting spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance.