Efficacy of antiviral therapy in adults with chronic hepatitis B according to baseline hepatitis B virus DNA and alanine aminotransferase concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
5 hours ago
- #hepatitis B
- #antiviral therapy
- #meta-analysis
- The study evaluates the efficacy of antiviral therapy in adults with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) based on baseline HBV DNA and ALT concentrations.
- Antiviral therapy was found effective in reducing hepatocellular carcinoma risk and improving intermediate outcomes in individuals with HBV DNA ≥20,000 IU/mL or elevated ALT.
- No significant effect of nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy was observed in individuals with HBV DNA <20,000 IU/mL or normal ALT levels.
- The number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one case of hepatocellular carcinoma varied by baseline HBV DNA levels, with lower NNT for higher HBV DNA concentrations.
- The study highlights the need for further research to establish treatment benefits in groups with lower HBV DNA levels or normal ALT, especially in high-burden settings.