On-treatment prediction of sustained response to peginterferon alfa-2a for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients

Background & AimsWe assessed predictors of response in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients treated with peginterferon alfa-2a in routine clinical practice. MethodsNinety-five HBeAg-negative patients received peginterferonalfa-2a for 48weeks and were followed-up for 48weeks post-treatment. Serum HBsAg and HBV DNA levels were monitored during and after therapy with valid commercial assays. Sustained response (SR) was defined as HBV DNA 10% at 24weeks is significantly associated with SR. The combination of the PARC rule and week 24 decline in HBsAg can identify almost two-thirds of patients who are unlikely to achieve SR. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01283074