High Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Level Increases Risk for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Previous studies have identified a high hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level as an independent risk factor for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic HBV. Moreover, even a low HBV DNA level is associated with a small risk for developing HCC. Now, investigators evaluate if baseline hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels can predict HCC development in patients with low HBV DNA levels.

In this cohort study, researchers enrolled 2688 Taiwanese patients with HBV infection who were HBsAg-positive. A low HBV DNA level was defined as <2000 IU/mL. Patients were evaluated every 3 to 6 months. Baseline HBsAg levels were obtained. HCC was diagnosed based on standard imaging criteria or histology.

During a mean follow-up of…