The relationship between serum hepatitis B core-related antigen and hepatitis B virus DNA in treatment-naïve patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis: A cross-sectional study

Aims. The relationship between hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA has already been adequately researched in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, but there are only a few researches yet on the correlations between HBcrAg and HBV DNA in treatment-naïve patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis. Here we explore the correlation between HBcrAg and HBV DNA in this population. Methods. Available data and samples of 98 untreated patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis between October 2018 and October 2019 were analysed. Statistical analyses included baseline characteristics, univariate analysis, stratification analysis, three different analytical models, and a generalized additive model. Results. After adjusting for all recorded confounders (sex, age, diagnosis of primary hepatic carcinoma, total bilirubin（TBIL）, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg), Child–Pugh class, family history of HBV infection, family history of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), and diabetes mellitus), a linear relationship was detected between HBcrAg and HBV DNA (β=0.59, 95%CI=0.34–0.84, P<0.0001). The variational trend of HBcrAg and HBV DNA in each stratified variable (sex, age, HBeAg, family history of HBV infection, family history of HCC, diabetes mellitus, diagnosis of primary hepatic carcinoma, Child–Pugh class, and ALD) were consistent. Conclusion. There was a linear and positive correlation between HBcrAg and HBV DNA in treatment-naïve patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.