Durability and on-treatment predictors of recompensation in entecavir-treated patients with hepatitis B and decompensated cirrhosis
You Deng, Haiyan Kang, Huiling Xiang, Yuemin Nan, Jinhua Hu, Qinghua Meng, Hong Zhao, Qi Wang, Jilian Fang, Jie Xu, Xiaomin Wang, Calvin Q. Pan, Hong You, Xiaoyuan Xu, Wen Xie, Jidong Jia
Abstract
Background & Aims: without recompensation are not well-defined. Methods: This study was a retrospective extension of a multi-centre prospective cohort, focusing on patients with CHB and decompensated cirrhosis treated with entecavir. We followed patients beyond treatment week 120 until a second decompensation event or June 2023. We identified the optimal timing and predictors of recompensation by week 120, evaluated durability of recompensation in patients fulfilling recompensation criteria by week 120 and examined late recompensation in those who did not fulfil it by week 120. Results: = 0.002). Conclusions: A serum albumin ≥34 g/L at treatment week 24 predicted recompensation by week 120. Recompensation achieved by week 120 of NA treatment is maintained in >80% of patients in the long term. Some patients may achieve recompensation only after >120 weeks of NA treatment. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was reduced but not completely abolished after recompensation. Impact and implications: Our research provides a meaningful contribution to understanding the long-term prognosis of recompensation in patients with chronic hepatitis B and decompensated cirrhosis, as well as to evaluating the predictive value of serum albumin levels, offering a comprehensive view of clinical outcomes after recompensation. The significance of early biomarkers in guiding therapeutic decisions is highlighted, shedding light on the continued benefits and possible risks after recompensation. This enhances the capability for more precise prognostic evaluations and informed therapeutic strategies. For healthcare providers, these insights afford a detailed perspective on patient monitoring and intervention planning, underscoring the need for ongoing assessment past the initial recompensation phase.