High end-of-treatment hepatitis B core-related antigen levels predict hepatitis flare after stopping nucleot(s)ide analogue therapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Accurate biomarkers to predict outcomes following discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy are needed. We evaluated serum hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) level as a biomarker for predicting outcomes after NA discontinuation. METHODS: Patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) without cirrhosis were enrolled in a prospective trial evaluating clinical outcomes until 96 weeks after NA discontinuation. End of treatment (EOT) and off-treatment levels of serum HBcrAg, HBsAg, HBV RNA and HBV DNA were used to predict key clinical outcomes including hepatitis flare (ALT ≥5 × ULN and HBV DNA > 2000 IU/mL). The SCALE-B score was calculated for the purposes of model validation. RESULTS: HBcrAg was tested amongst 65 participants. The median age was 54 years, 54% were male and 83% were Asian. HBcrAg was detectable in 86% patients. HBcrAg level ≥4 log U/mL at EOT was predictive of hepatitis flare [8/10 (80%) vs. 17/55 (31%), p = .001]. The presence of either HBcrAg ≥4 log U/mL or detectable HBV RNA at EOT predicted for both biochemical relapse and hepatitis flare. The SCALE-B model at EOT predicted for virological relapse, biochemical relapse, hepatitis flare and HBsAg loss in this cohort. An increase in the serum HBcrAg level off-treatment was also associated with hepatitis flare. No participant with EOT HBcrAg level ≥4 log U/mL achieved HBsAg loss. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of serum HBcrAg predict for hepatitis flare after stopping NA therapy and low likelihood of HBsAg loss at week 96. People with high levels of serum HBcrAg are not suitable candidates for NA discontinuation.

Baseline serum HBV RNA is associated with the risk of hepatitis flare after stopping nucleoside analog therapy in HBeAg-negative participants.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: HBV RNA in peripheral blood reflects HBV cccDNA transcriptional activity and may predict clinical outcomes. The prospective Melbourne HBV-STOP trial studied nucleot(s)ide analog discontinuation in HBeAg-negative non-cirrhotic participants with long-term virological suppression. Ninety-six weeks after stopping treatment, the proportion of participants with virological relapse (HBV DNA > 2000 IU/mL), biochemical relapse (ALT > 2 × ULN and HBV DNA > 2000 IU/mL), or hepatitis flare (ALT > 5 × ULN and HBV DNA > 2000 IU/mL) was 89%, 58%, and 38%, respectively. We evaluated the ability of serum HBV RNA levels to predict these outcomes. APPROACH RESULTS: HBV RNA levels were measured using the Roche cobas 6800/8800 HBV RNA Investigational Assay. Sixty-five participants had baseline and longitudinal off-treatment specimens available for RNA testing. HBV RNA was detectable at baseline in 25% of participants and was associated with a higher risk of biochemical relapse (81% vs. 51%, p value 0.04) and hepatitis flare (63% vs. 31%, p value 0.04). Participants who had undetectable serum HBV RNA as well as HBsAg ≤ 100 IU/mL at baseline were less likely to experience virological relapse (4 of 9, 44%) than participants with detectable HBV RNA and HBsAg level > 100 IU/mL (15/15, 100%; p value 0.0009). Off-treatment levels of HBV RNA were correlated with HBV DNA and were associated with the risk of hepatitis flare. CONCLUSIONS: Serum HBV RNA may be a useful biomarker for guiding clinical decision-making before stopping nucleot(s)ide analog therapy. Baseline HBV RNA and HBsAg levels are associated with the risk of clinical relapse, hepatitis flare, and disease remission off-treatment.

Evaluation of a novel anterior nasal swab for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

BACKGROUND: During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, nasopharyngeal swabs, combined throat and nose swabs and saliva samples have been evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 detection using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAT). Literature on anterior nasal swabs is limited. We investigated a novel anterior nasal swab that has been designed to standardised self-collection, maximise sample uptake and improve user comfort. We used combined throat and nose swabs and neat saliva samples as the comparators. RESULTS: The overall positive percentage agreement between the Rhinoswab™ and the combined throat and nose swab was 95.2 % at day 2 post participant recruitment and 93.3 % on day 4 post participant recruitment. This was favourable to the positive percentage agreement with saliva at the same time points. CONCLUSION: In our study the Rhinoswab™ performed equally well in comparison to a combined throat and nose swab for the laboratory detection of SARS-CoV-2 using nucleic acid amplification techniques.

A novel point-of-care test for cirrhosis based on dimeric to monomeric IgA ratio in blood: a pilot cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dimeric IgA to monomeric IgA ratio (dIgA ratio) is a biomarker of gut mucosal leakage in liver cirrhosis. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of a novel point-of-care (POC) dIgA ratio test for cirrhosis. METHODS: Plasma samples from people with chronic liver disease were analyzed using the BioPoint POC dIgA ratio antigen immunoassay lateral flow test. Cirrhosis was defined by Fibroscan>12.5 kPa, clinical evidence of cirrhosis or liver histopathology. POC dIgA test diagnostic accuracy was determined in a test cohort using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis; optimal cutoffs for sensitivity and specificity were then applied to a validation cohort. RESULTS: A total of 1478 plasma samples from 866 patients with chronic liver disease were included (test cohort n = 260, validation cohort n = 606). In all, 32% had cirrhosis; 44% Child-Pugh A, 26% Child-Pugh B, and 29% Child-Pugh C. Median POC dIgA ratio was higher in cirrhosis (0.9) compared with no cirrhosis (0.4, p < 0.001), and in Child-Pugh class B/C compared with A cirrhosis (1.4 Child-Pugh B/C vs. 0.6 Child-Pugh A, p < 0.001). POC dIgA ratio test had good diagnostic accuracy for liver cirrhosis in the test cohort (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.80); a dIgA ratio cutoff of 0.6 had a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 86%. POC dIgA test accuracy was moderate in the validation cohort (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.75; positive predictive value 64%, negative predictive value 83%). Using a dual cutoff approach, 79% of cirrhosis cases were correctly diagnosed and further testing was avoided in 57%. CONCLUSIONS: POC dIgA ratio test had moderate accuracy for cirrhosis. Further studies evaluating the accuracy of POC dIgA ratio testing for cirrhosis screening are warranted.

Validation of a novel point-of-care test for alanine aminotransferase measurement: A pilot cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) measurement is essential for evaluation of liver disease. We validated a novel rapid point-of-care (POC) test for ALT1 against laboratory ALT. METHODS: Stored plasma samples from adults with chronic liver disease (Test cohort n = 240; Validation cohort n = 491) were analysed using the BioPoint® antigen immunoassay POC ALT1 lateral flow test, which provides quantitative ALT results (Axxin handheld reader) or semi-quantitative results (visual read, cut off 40 IU/ml). The accuracy of POC ALT1 to detect ALT > 40 IU/L was determined by ROC analysis. In patients with chronic hepatitis B, treatment eligibility (EASL criteria) was determined using POC ALT1 and compared to laboratory ALT. RESULTS: POC ALT1 test had good accuracy for laboratory ALT > 40 IU/L: AUROC 0.93 (95% CI: 0.89-0.96) in the Test cohort and AUROC 0.92 (95% CI: 0.88-0.95) in the Validation cohort. POC ALT1 cut off of 0.8 for ALT > 40 IU/L maximised sensitivity (97%) and specificity (71%) in the Test cohort (42% laboratory ALT > 40 IU/L) and yielded PPV 84% and NPV 91% in the Validation cohort (19% laboratory ALT > 40 IU/L). Semi-quantitative POC ALT1 had good accuracy for laboratory ALT in the Validation cohort (AUROC 0.85, 95% CI: 0.81-0.99; sensitivity 77% and specificity 93%). Combined with HBV DNA and transient elastography, both quantitative and semi-quantitative POC ALT1 tests had good accuracy for excluding hepatitis B treatment needs (sensitivity 96%, specificity 78% and NPV 99%). CONCLUSION: The POC ALT1 test had good accuracy for elevated ALT levels and for determining treatment eligibility among people with chronic hepatitis B.

Diabetes IN hospital - Glucose and Outcomes in the COVID-19 pandemic (DINGO COVID-19): the 2020 Melbourne hospital experience prior to novel variants and vaccinations.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A relationship between diabetes, glucose and COVID-19 outcomes has been reported in international cohorts. This study aimed to assess the relationship between diabetes, hyperglycaemia and patient outcomes in those hospitalised with COVID-19 during the first year of the Victorian pandemic prior to novel variants and vaccinations. DESIGN, SETTING: Retrospective cohort study from March to November 2020 across five public health services in Melbourne, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: All consecutive adult patients admitted to acute wards of participating institutions during the study period with a diagnosis of COVID-19, comprising a large proportion of patients from residential care facilities and following dexamethasone becoming standard-of-care. Admissions in patients without known diabetes and without inpatient glucose testing were excluded. RESULTS: The DINGO COVID-19 cohort comprised 840 admissions. In 438 admissions (52%), there was no known diabetes or in-hospital hyperglycaemia, in 298 (35%) patients had known diabetes, and in 104 (12%) patients had hyperglycaemia without known diabetes. ICU admission was more common in those with diabetes (20%) and hyperglycaemia without diabetes (49%) than those with neither (11%, P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Mortality was higher in those with diabetes (24%) than those without diabetes or hyperglycaemia (16%, P = 0.02) but no difference between those with in-hospital hyperglycaemia and either of the other groups. On multivariable analysis, hyperglycaemia was associated with increased ICU admission (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 6.7, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 4.0-12, P < 0.001) and longer length of stay (aOR 173, 95% CI 11-2793, P < 0.001), while diabetes was associated with reduced ICU admission (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33-0.94, P = 0.03). Neither diabetes nor hyperglycaemia was independently associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-hospital hyperglycaemia and known diabetes were not associated with in-hospital mortality, contrasting with published international experiences. This likely mainly relates to hyperglycaemia indicating receipt of mortality-reducing dexamethasone therapy. These differences in published experiences underscore the importance of understanding population and clinical treatment factors affecting glycaemia and COVID-19 morbidity within both local and global contexts.

Hepatitis B Virus Flares After Nucleot(s)ide Analogue Cessation Are Associated With Activation of Toll-Like Receptor Signaling Pathways.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the patterns of peripheral Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling activity and the expression of TLRs and natural killer (NK) cell activation in a cohort of patients experiencing severe hepatitis flares after stopping nucleot(s)ide analogues (NAs) therapy. METHODS: Samples were collected longitudinally from patients with chronic hepatitis B who were enrolled in a prospective study of NA discontinuation. Patients experiencing hepatitis flares were compared with patients with normal alanine aminotransferase. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with TLR ligands and cytokine secretion in the cell culture supernatant measured. Expression of TLR2/4, NKG2D, NKp46, and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) on monocytes, NK, and NK-T cells was measured. RESULTS: Seventeen patients with severe reactivation hepatitis flares were compared to 12 nonflare patients. Hepatitis flares were associated with increased activity of TLR2-8 and TLR9 signaling in PBMCs at the time of peak flare compared to baseline. Hepatitis flares were also associated with (1) upregulation of TLR2 and (2) TREM-1 receptor expression on NK. There were no differences at baseline between flare patients and nonflare patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis flares off NA therapy have a significant innate inflammatory response with upregulation of TLR signaling on peripheral monocytes and TLR2 and TREM-1 expression on NK cells. This implicates the innate immune system in the immunopathogenesis of hepatitis B flares.

Assessment of the cobas® HBV RNA investigational assay in the setting of nucleoside analog therapy cessation.

HBV RNA is used as a marker of cccDNA transcription and is applicable in the setting of nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) treatment, which suppresses HBV DNA. Traditional assays for quantification of HBV RNA rely on labor-intensive 3'RACE assays targeting the polyA tail. In this study, the high-throughput Roche cobas®HBV RNA investigational assay was assessed on the Roche cobas® 6800 automated platform. Of 969 samples collected for a NA treatment cessation trial, and tested on the cobas assay, 249 were analyzed for sensitivity, reproducibility, sample type applicability, and results were compared to a RACE-based assay. Results of 97 paired serum and plasma samples demonstrated an excellent correlation of 0.98. However, 14.5% of plasma samples yielded detectable (below the limit of quantification) results, when the paired serum was undetectable, and plasma was shown to yield a statistically significant (p < 0.001) greater mean 0.119 log10 copies/ml. Quantification of 152 samples showed good correlation (0.91) between the cobas and RACE assays. The cobas assay demonstrated superior lower limit of quantification, 10 copies/ml, which resulted in detection of 13.2% more samples than the RACE assay. Reproducibility and linear range of the automated assay were also confirmed. The Roche cobas assay for HBV RNA is sensitive and highly recommended.

Stopping nucleot(s)ide analogues in non-cirrhotic HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients: HBsAg loss at 96 weeks is associated with low baseline HBsAg levels.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Current guidelines recommend long-term nucleot(s)ide analogue (NA) therapy for patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, disease remission has been described after stopping NA therapy, as well as HBsAg loss. METHODS: We performed a prospective multi-centre cohort study of stopping NA therapy. Inclusion criteria were HBeAg-negative CHB, the absence of cirrhosis and HBVDNA5× ULN occurred in 35 (32%); ALT flares were not associated with HBsAg loss. There were no unexpected safety issues. CONCLUSION: Virological reactivation was very common after stopping NA therapy and occurred earlier after stopping TDF versus ETV. The majority of patients had ALT <2× ULN at week 96, but only one-third achieved disease remission and HBsAg loss was rare. Very low HBsAg levels at baseline were uncommon but predicted for HBsAg loss and disease remission.

Asian Pacific association for the study of liver (APASL) guidelines: hepatitis B virus in pregnancy.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection still remains a major public health issue in the Asia-Pacific region. Most of the burden of HBV-related disease results from infections acquired in infancy through perinatal or early childhood exposure to HBV in Asia-Pacific. Hepatitis B during pregnancy presents unique management issues for both the mother and fetus. These APASL guidelines provide a comprehensive review and recommendations based on available evidence in the literature, for the management of females with HBV infection through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum. These also address the concerns, management challenges, and required follow-up of children born to hepatitis B-positive mothers.

Nanocell COVID-19 vaccine triggers a novel immune response pathway producing high-affinity antibodies which neutralize all variants of concern.

Most current anti-viral vaccines elicit a humoral and cellular immune response via the pathway of phagocytic cell mediated viral antigen presentation to B and T cell surface receptors. However, this pathway results in reduced ability to neutralize S-protein Receptor Binding Domains (RBDs) from several Variants of Concern (VOC) and the rapid waning of memory B cell response requiring vaccine reformulation to cover dominant VOC S-proteins and multiple boosters. Here we show for the first time in mice and humans, that a bacterially derived, non-living, nanocell (EDV; EnGeneIC Dream Vector) packaged with plasmid expressed SARS-CoV-2 S-protein and α-galactosyl ceramide adjuvant (EDV-COVID-αGC), stimulates an alternate pathway due to dendritic cells (DC) displaying both S-polypeptides and αGC thereby recruiting and activating iNKT cells with release of IFNγ. This triggers DC activation/maturation, activation of follicular helper T cells (TFH), cognate help to B cells with secretion of a cytokine milieu promoting B cell maturation, somatic hypermutation in germinal centers to result in high affinity antibodies. Surrogate virus neutralization tests show 90-100% neutralization of ancestral and early VOC in mice and human trial volunteers. EDV-COVID-αGC as a third dose booster neutralized Omicron BA. 4/5. Serum and PBMC analyses reveal long lasting S-specific memory B and T cells. In contrast, control EDVs lacking αGC, did not engage the iNKT/DC pathway resulting in antibody responses unable to neutralize all VOCs and had a reduced B cell memory. The vaccine is lyophilized, stored and transported at room temperature with a shelf-life of over a year.

Discontinuation of nucleot(s)ide analogue therapy in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Sustained virological suppression and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss have been described after nucleot(s)ide analogue (NA) discontinuation for patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We performed a meta-analysis of the clinical outcomes after NA discontinuation for HBeAg-negative CHB. METHODS: Studies involving NA cessation in HBeAg-negative CHB individuals with a median follow-up of ≥12 months were included. Participants were HBeAg-negative at the time of NA initiation. Random effects meta-analyses were performed for the following clinical outcomes: (1) virological relapse (VR) at 6 and 12 months; (2) clinical relapse (CR) at 6 and 12 months and (3) HBsAg loss. Effect of other variables was estimated using subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Studies including patients stopping entecavir (ETV) and/or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) were considered separately to studies including patients stopping older generation NA. RESULTS: N=37 studies met inclusion criteria. Cumulative incidence of VR and CR after stopping ETV/TDF was 44% and 17% at 6 months and 63% and 35% at 12 months. Similar relapse rates were observed after stopping older NAs. Among patients stopping ETV/TDF, TDF cessation was associated with increased CR rates at 6 months versus ETV. There was an association between follow-up ≥4 years and HBsAg loss rates when stopping older NAs. Hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma were rare but occurred more frequently in studies including cirrhotic individuals. CONCLUSION: VR is common after NA discontinuation, however, CR was only seen in one-third of patients at 12 months. Stopping NA therapy can be followed by HBsAg clearance, and rates are higher with longer follow-up.

Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of the Oral TLR8 Agonist Selgantolimod in Chronic Hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, activation of toll-like receptor 8 may induce antiviral immunity and drive functional cure. Selgantolimod, a toll-like receptor 8 agonist, was evaluated in patients with CHB who were virally suppressed on oral antiviral treatment or viremic and not on oral antiviral treatment. APPROACH AND RESULTS: In this phase 1b study, patients were randomized 4:1 to receive either selgantolimod or placebo once weekly. Virally suppressed patients received either 1.5 mg (for 2 weeks) or 3 mg (for 2 weeks or 4 weeks). Viremic patients received 3 mg for 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was safety, as assessed by adverse events (AEs), laboratory abnormalities, and vital sign examination. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were assessed by plasma analysis. A total of 38 patients (28 virally suppressed, 10 viremic) were enrolled from six sites in Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea. Twenty patients (53%) experienced an AE and 32 (84%) had laboratory abnormalities, all of which were mild or moderate in severity. The most common AEs were headache (32%), nausea (24%), and dizziness (13%). With a half-life of 5 hours, no accumulation of selgantolimod was observed with multiple dosing. Selgantolimod induced transient dose-dependent increases in serum cytokines, including IL-12p40 and IL-1RA, which are important for the expansion and activity of multiple T- cell subsets and innate immunity. CONCLUSION: Selgantolimod was safe and well-tolerated in virally suppressed and viremic patients with CHB and elicited cytokine responses consistent with target engagement. Further studies with longer durations of selgantolimod treatment are required to evaluate efficacy.

A qualitative exploration of enablers for hepatitis B clinical management among ethnic Chinese in Australia.

An estimated 18% of people living with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Australia were born in China. While guideline-based care, including regular clinical monitoring and timely treatment, prevent CHB-related cirrhosis, cancer and deaths, over three-quarters of people with CHB do not receive guideline-based care in Australia. This qualitative study aimed to identify enablers to engagement in CHB clinical management among ethnic Chinese people attending specialist care. Participants self-identified as of Chinese ethnicity and who attended specialist care for CHB clinical management were interviewed in Melbourne in 2019 (n = 30). Semi-structured interviews covered experiences of diagnosis and engagement in clinical management services, and advice for people living with CHB. Interviews were recorded with consent; data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Receiving clear information about the availability of treatment and/or the necessity of long-term clinical management were the main enablers for participants to engage in CHB clinical management. Additional enablers identified to maintain regular clinical monitoring included understanding CHB increases risks of cirrhosis and liver cancer, using viral load indicators to visualize disease status in patient-doctor communication; expectations from family, peer group and medical professionals; use of a patient recall system; availability of interpreters or multilingual doctors; and largely subsidized healthcare services. In conclusion, to support people attending clinical management for CHB, a holistic response from community, healthcare providers and the public health sector is required. There are needs for public health programmes directed to communicate (i) CHB-related complications; (ii) availability of effective and cheap treatment; and that (iii) long-term engagement with clinical management and its benefits.

CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes within the primary tumor of patients with synchronous de novo metastatic colorectal carcinoma do not track with survival.

OBJECTIVES: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), particularly CD8+ TILs in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), are highly prognostic in the early-disease stages (I-II). In metastatic disease (stage IV; mCRC), their influence is less well defined. It has presumably failed to contain tumor cells to the primary site; however, is this evident? We explored the prognostic impact of TILs at the primary site in patients who presented de novo with mCRC. METHODS: Treatment-naïve patients (109) with mCRC were assessed for CD8+ TILs and PD-L1 expression. Microsatellite instability (MSI) was evaluated by IHC for PMS2 and MSH6 proteins and/or by PCR using the Bethesda panel. RESULTS: Microsatellite instability-high tumors had significantly more CD8+ TILs, with no significant survival advantage observed between MSI-H and microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors (12 vs 19 months, P = 0.304). TIL density for all cases had no impact on OS (low: 20 vs high: 13 months, P = 0.426), while PD-L1 of 1% or higher was associated with reduced mean survival (9.6 vs 18.9 months; P = 0.038). MSI-H tumors and associated immune cells had higher PD-L1 expression than in MSS cases. A positive correlation between PD-L1 on immune cells and CD8+ve TILs was found. A subset of MSS tumors had relatively high TILs approximating that of MSI-H tumors. CONCLUSION: In contrast to early-stage CRC, the immune response in primary tumors of patients with de novo mCRC does not appear to influence survival. A subgroup of MSS tumors was identified with increased TILs/PD-L1 comparable to MSI-H tumors, traditionally not be considered for immune checkpoint blockade and perhaps should be.

The Yin and the Yang of Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B-When to Start, When to Stop Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Therapy.

Over 257 million individuals worldwide are chronically infected with the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are the first-line treatment option for most patients. Entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) are both potent, safe antiviral agents, have a high barrier to resistance, and are now off patent. They effectively suppress HBV replication to reduce the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Treatment is continued long-term in most patients, as NA therapy rarely induces HBsAg loss or functional cure. Two diverging paradigms in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B have recently emerged. First, the public health focussed "treat-all" strategy, advocating for early and lifelong antiviral therapy to minimise the risk of HCC as well as the risk of HBV transmission. In LMICs, this strategy may be cost saving compared to monitoring off treatment. Second, the concept of "stopping" NA therapy in patients with HBeAg-negative disease after long-term viral suppression, a personalised treatment strategy aiming for long-term immune control and even HBsAg loss off treatment. In this manuscript, we will briefly review the current standard of care approach to the management of hepatitis B, before discussing emerging evidence to support both the "treat-all" strategy, as well as the "stop" strategy, and how they may both have a role in the management of patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Serum alanine aminotransferase flares in chronic hepatitis B infection: the good and the bad.

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection follows a dynamic and variable course. At different stages in the disease, hepatitis flares might occur, which can be challenging to predict and manage. Flares are believed to be primarily immune-mediated and might mark transitions to inactive disease or clearance of infection, but in certain scenarios they might also lead to hepatic decompensation or death. As such, understanding of the clinical significance of flares in different patient populations and different scenarios is important for optimal management. In this Review, we summarise what is known about flares in different stages of chronic HBV infection; describe flares in the context of the natural history of chronic infection; summarise the immunological mechanisms underlying flares, and describe flares in different clinical scenarios. Each section reviews existing knowledge and highlights key unanswered questions that need to be addressed to improve the understanding of flares, hopefully providing insights into their pathogenesis that can be used to improve current clinical management and ideally to further develop new curative therapeutic approaches for HBV infection. We also propose a working definition of an ALT flare to facilitate future research.