A large population study of spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion and acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B infection: implications for antiviral therapy

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Abstract
Background and aim: Clinical data on spontaneous hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion and acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection from large population studies are lacking. In the present study we examined the clinical features and significance of HBeAg seroconversion and acute exacerbation in 3063 Chinese CHB patients. Methods: Clinical assessment, liver biochemistry, hepatitis B virus (HBV) serology and HBV DNA, time of HBeAg seroconversion, and acute exacerbation were monitored. Results: Median age at HBeAg seroconversion was 34.5 years. The cumulative HBeAg seroconversion rate significantly increased with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels on presentation (preversion and mortality occurred in 2.7% and 0.7% of acute exacerbations, respectively. Conclusion: In the present study we have provided information on HBeAg seroconversion and acute exacerbation, which are important in decision making for CHB treatment and in designing clinical trials.