Serum HBV RNA correlated with intrahepatic cccDNA more strongly than other HBV markers during peg-interferon treatment

Abstract Background Serum hepatitis B virus RNA (HBV RNA) has been reported to be a surrogate marker of intrahepatic cccDNA during nucleos(t)ide analogs therapy. However, in HBeAg-positive patients treated with peg-interferon (peg-IFN), whether HBV is superior other markers reflecting profile still unclear. Methods RNA, HBcrAg, DNA, and HBsAg were longitudinally assessed among 30 48-week peg-IFN treatment. Besides, was detected at baseline week 48 respectively. Then, the individual correlations between HBsAg, statistically analyzed. Results levels decreased more rapidly HBeAg seroconversion than those without seroconversion. Among all patients, correlated better baseline. After weeks treatment, strongly markers. Further analysis indicated that whereas not correlate DNA HBsAg. While seroconversion, highly moderately Conclusion Compared serum before after The level may Trial registration ClinicalTrials, NCT03546530. Registered 1 January 2015. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=NCT03546530 .