title: Hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance during chronic HBV infection.
abstract: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance in chronic HBV infection occurs at an annual incidence of 1-2%. The long-term outcome after HBsAg seroclearance is excellent if there is no pre-existing cirrhosis or viral superinfection. For this reason, HBsAg seroclearance has attracted recent interest in both long-term studies of the natural history of HBV infection and in patients receiving antiviral therapy. Here, we review a diverse range of studies investigating spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance in varied groups of patients and consider the many predictive factors - of both viral and host origin - for seroclearance. Studies to assess the effects of antiviral therapy, and in particular interferon treatment, are also discussed together with virological, biochemical and histological profiles following HBsAg seroclearance and the long-term outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chia-Ming
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Yun-Fan
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Liaw
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology*; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens