IP10 and anti-HBc can predict virological relapase and HBsAg loss for chronic hepatitis B patients after nucleos (t)ide analogue discontinuation

Introduction To assess predictive ability of serum interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP10) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) levels for virological relapse (VR) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss after nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) discontinuation. Methods In this multicenter prospective study, overall 139 patients were followed up for 24 months after NA discontinuation. Results End of treatment (EOT) IP10 and anti-HBc were 29.2(5.1-66.4) pg/mL and 193.6(136.9-221.4) IU/mL. EOT IP10 and anti-HBc were independent predictors for VR and HBsAg loss in Cox regression analysis. Cumulative rates of VR in patients with EOT IP10 > 26.99 pg/mL was 31.9% (vs 70.1%, hazard ratio [HR] 2.998, P < 0.001). Cumulative incidences of VR in patients with EOT anti-HBc ≤ 141.35 IU/mL was 49.1% (vs 60.6%, HR 2.99, P < 0.001). Cumulative probabilities of VR was 16.7% in patients with EOT IP10 > 26.99 pg/mL plus anti-HBc ≤ 141.35 IU/mL (vs 73.6%, HR 6.464, P < 0.001). Cumulative probabilities of HBsAg loss in patients with EOT IP10 > 93.5 pg/mL was 46.2% (vs 4.7%, HR 10.94, P < 0.001). Cumulative probabilities of HBsAg loss in patients with EOT anti-HBc ≤ 78.42 IU/mL was 47.1% (vs 5%, HR 12.27, P < 0.001). Patients with EOT IP10 > 93.5 pg/mL plus anti-HBc ≤ 78.42 IU/mL had the highest 24-month cumulative HBsAg loss rate (53.8% vs 4%, HR 16.83, P < 0.001). Conclusion High EOT IP10 and low EOT anti-HBc levels were related to both lower risk of VR and higher probability of HBsAg loss.