Long-term outcomes of hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis treated with nucleos(t)ide analogs

Background/purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of chronic hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis who received long-term nucleos(t)ide analog therapy. Methods: A total of 546 consecutive cirrhotic patients treated with entecavir (n = 359), telbivudine (n = 104), or tenofovir (n = 83) for chronic hepatitis B were enrolled. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and overall survival were evaluated. Results: During a median follow-up of 39 months, 56 (10.3%) patients developed HCC and 14 (2.6%) patients died. These outcomes were not associated with different antiviral use. Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that old age (>= 60 years) [hazard ratio (HR), 1.74; p = 0.046], statin use (HR, 2.42; p = 0.017), low platelet count (<100,000/mL; HR, 2.00; p = 0.039), and variceal bleeding history (HR, 5.12; p < 0.001) were independent factors for HCC development. With regard to survival, ChildePugh B/C (HR, 3.78; p = 0.039) and low platelet count (<10(5)/mu L; HR, 7.82; p = 0.049) were independent factors. The estimated glomerular filtration rate significantly increased in patients receiving telbivudine (p = 0.047), but decreased in those receiving tenofovir (p < 0.001) at Year 2. Tenofovir use (HR, 1.98; p = 0.005) was one of the independent factors associated with the progression of chronic kidney disease stage. Conclusion: Long-term nucleos(t) ide analog therapy does not guarantee against the HCC development and mortality in chronic hepatitis B-related cirrhotic patients. Careful HCC surveillance is necessary in patients with old age, statin use, low platelet count, and variceal bleeding history. Copyright (C) 2016, Formosan Medical Association. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.