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HBV genotype B is associated with better response to interferon therapy in HBeAg( + ) chronic hepatitis than genotype C
Author(s) -
Wai Chun Tao,
Chu ChiJen,
Hussain Munira,
Lok Anna S. F.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.488
H-Index - 361
eISSN - 1527-3350
pISSN - 0270-9139
DOI - 10.1002/hep.1840360619
Subject(s) - hbeag , genotype , medicine , hepatitis b virus , virology , immunology , seroconversion , hepatitis b , gastroenterology , interferon , hbsag , virus , biology , gene , biochemistry
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype and precore/core promoter mutations have been implicated in spontaneous and interferon alfa (IFN‐α)—related hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion. We performed a retrospective analysis of a previously reported randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of HBV genotype and precore/core promoter mutations on IFN‐α response in patients with HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis. Clinical data and stored sera from 109 (95%) patients in the original trial were analyzed. Seventy‐three patients received IFN‐α and 34 received no treatment (controls). Almost all patients had HBV genotypes B (38%) and C (60%). Antiviral response was achieved in 39% and 17% of IFN‐α—treated patients ( P = 0.03) and in 10% and 8% of untreated controls ( P = 0.88) with HBV genotype B and C, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified HBV genotype B, elevated pretreatment alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, and low pretreatment HBV‐DNA levels but not IFN‐α treatment as independent factors associated with antiviral response. Among the 66 patients with elevated pretreatment ALT level, antiviral response was achieved in 57% and 21% of IFN‐α—treated patients ( P = 0.019), and in 25% and 8% of untreated controls ( P = 0.45) with HBV genotype B and C, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that genotype B and low pretreatment HBV‐DNA levels were independent predictors of antiviral response. In conclusion, our data showed that HBV genotype B was associated with a higher rate of IFN‐induced HBeAg clearance compared with genotype C. Stratification for HBV genotypes should be considered in future clinical trials of antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis B. (H EPATOLOGY 2002;36:1425–1430).