Anti-HBc IgG Levels: A Predictor of HBsAg Seroclearance in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Nucleos(t)ide Analogue-Induced HBeAg Seroclearance

Background/Aims We investigated the efficiency of the indirect ratio of anti-HBc IgG at predicting HBsAg seroclearance in patients with nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)-induced HBeAg seroclearance. Methods We performed a retrospective study that included 366 chronic hepatitis B patients (March 2007 to December 2016) at a single tertiary hospital. These patients were HBsAg seropositive, and experienced NA-induced HBeAg seroclearance. The indirect ratio of light absorbance of anti-HBc IgG levels were measured with chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay using the Architect Anti-HBc assay (Abbott Laboratories, IL, USA) as a qualitative method prior to antiviral therapy. We calculated the cumulative incidences of HBsAg seroclearance based on the anti-HBc IgG levels. Results After a 10-year follow-up, 48 patients experienced HBsAg seroclearance (13.1%). Thirty-three of 179 patients who had an indirect ratio of light absorbance of anti-HBc IgG < 11 RLU (relative light unit) showed HBsAg seroclearance (18.4%); 15 of 187 patients who had an indirect ratio of light absorbance of anti-HBc IgG >= 11 RLU showed HBsAg seroclerance (8.0%) (p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, age, and ALT at the time of HBeAg seroclearance were predictors of HBsAg seroclearance. Especially, the relative risk of HBsAg seroclearance in patients with baseline anti-HBc IgG levels < 11 RLU was 2.213 (95% CI, 1.220-4.014), compared to that in patients with higher levels of anti-HBc IgG at baseline (p = 0.009). Conclusion Using an indirect method for anti-HBc IgG levels, baseline anti-HBc IgG levels (< 11RLU), age (>= 50 years), and ALT (>= 40 IU/L) might be associated with HBsAg seroclearance in patients with NA-induced HBeAg seroclearance.

Automated summary

This study investigated the predictive value of the indirect ratio of anti-HBc IgG in HBsAg seroclearance in patients with nucleos(t)ide analogue-induced HBeAg seroclearance. The results showed that baseline anti-HBc IgG levels < 11 RLU, age >= 50 years, and ALT >= 40 IU/L may be associated with HBsAg seroclearance in these patients.