What are the predictors of the efficacy of interferon in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B?

Predictors before treatment: ALT level: When its level is 5ULN-10ULN, the HBeAg serological conversion rate is high and can be greater than 50%, but the storage function of the liver must be considered, especially in patients with compensated cirrhosis, so treatment must be carried out under the guidance of an experienced clinician. HBsAg level: HBsAg quantification can be used to determine whether the body is in the immune clearance phase, and can also be used to predict the efficacy of interferon. The lower the baseline level before treatment, the greater the likelihood of HBeAg serological conversion, and the more likely the surface antigen will turn negative or serologically convert. HBeAg level: Its quantitative results are indicative of both hepatitis B virus replication and are associated with the natural course of HBV infection and prognosis. Patients with lower pre-treatment baseline levels are more likely to experience negative HBeAg or serologic conversion. Anti-HBcAb: The results of a multicenter clinical study in China currently suggest that its quantitative level is positively correlated with interferon virology and serologic response rate, but due to the high requirements of its detection reagents and instruments, there are still limitations in routine clinical examination. HBV genotype: Patients with hepatitis B in China are mainly type B and C, and its detection can predict antiviral efficacy. HBV DNA load: patients with low HBV DNA titers before treatment have relatively good efficacy in the application of interferon. Other factors: female, no family history of hepatitis B aggregation, non-maternal-to-child transmission, etc. II. Predictive factors in treatment: ALT level: an increase in ALT at 8-12 weeks of treatment often indicates a good response, but if it exceeds the upper limit of the normal value by 5-10 times, liver-protective and anti-inflammatory treatment is needed, and if jaundice occurs, the interferon dose is reduced and interferon treatment is stopped if necessary. HBsAg level: The quantitative measurement of HBsAg at 24 weeks can be used to determine the antiviral efficacy, if the decrease is greater than 10 times, it indicates obvious efficacy, if the decrease is not obvious, less than 10 times, it indicates that the treatment plan can be adjusted, such as the addition of nucleoside analogues or discontinuation of interferon. The clearer the decrease in titer, the greater the possibility of HBeAg negative or serological conversion. HBVDNA load: If the patient’s HBVDNA titer decreases by more than 2S at 24 weeks, it indicates a good viral response and can predict HBeAg negative or serologic conversion, surface antigen conversion or serologic conversion. In conclusion, the application of interferon anti-HBV therapy for chronic hepatitis B has many predictive factors, and it is necessary to observe and monitor the changes of these indicators before and during treatment to achieve “individualized treatment and optimal treatment” and to be as “precise and accurate” as possible. The aim is to maximize the rational use of medical resources and achieve a “satisfactory” or “ideal” treatment endpoint.