Early on‐treatment prediction of response to peginterferon alfa‐2a for HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B using HBsAg and HBV DNA levels†

• DOI: 10.1002/hep.23722
• Publication Date: 2010-04-19T18:58:17Z
• Authors: Vincent Rijckborst; Bettina E. Hansen; Yilmaz Cakaloglu; Peter Ferenci; Fehmi Tabak; Meral Akdogan; Krzysztof Simon; Ulus S. Akarca; Robert Flisiak; Elke Verhey; Anneke J. Van Vuuren; Charles A. B. Bou...; Martijn J. ter Borg; Harry L. A. Janssen
• Keywords: HBeAg; Peginterferon alfa-2a; Hepatitis B

Peginterferon alfa-2a results in a sustained response (SR) minority of patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)–negative chronic (CHB). This study investigated the role early on-treatment serum surface (HBsAg) levels prediction SR HBeAg-negative receiving peginterferon alfa-2a. HBsAg (Architect from Abbott) was quantified at baseline and during treatment (weeks 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48) follow-up 60 72) sera 107 who participated an international multicenter trial (peginterferon alfa-2a, n = 53, versus ribavirin, 54). Overall, 24 (22%) achieved [serum virus (HBV) DNA level < 10,000 copies/mL normal alanine aminotransferase week 72]. Baseline characteristics were comparable between responders nonresponders. From 8 onward, markedly decreased responders, whereas only modest decline observed However, declines alone limited value [area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) weeks 12 0.59, 0.56, 0.69, respectively]. Combining HBV allowed best (AUC 0.74). None 20 (20% population) whom decrease absent whose declined less than 2 log exhibited (negative predictive 100%). Conclusion: At for CHB, solid stopping rule established combination baseline. Quantitative enables adjustments therapy CHB. (HEPATOLOGY 2010)