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Suppression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) with antiviral agents, such as entecavir, has been shown to reduce the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and progression of liver fibrosis. Less clear is whether viral suppression leads to improved clinical outcomes, such as reduction in HCC, decompensation, and death.
To investigate this issue, researchers in Europe prospectively evaluated whether virologic response (HBV DNA level <80 IU/mL) reduced the composite endpoint of hepatic decompensation, HCC, or death in patients taking entecavir for chronic HBV infection. They also examined the efficacy of entecavir by severity of liver disease at baseline and baseline factors associated with disease progression.
The cohort comprised 372 patients (274 …