What does clinical cure of hepatitis B mean?

Feb 23, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
Clinical cure of hepatitis B refers to the presence of hepatitis B antibodies and the seroconversion to negative for all other markers, indicating the absence of infectivity. However, this is still far from the ideal standard of complete cure. It is recommended that patients receive interferon treatment as early as possible, aiming to achieve seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen and e-antigen, along with the emergence of surface antibodies, on the basis of clinical cure. Additionally, patients should maintain adequate nutrition and balance rest with moderate activity in daily life.

Clinical cure of hepatitis B refers to the presence of hepatitis B surface antibodies (positive), while all other markers become negative and the patient is no longer infectious.

The criteria for clinical cure of hepatitis B generally include improvement or disappearance of clinical symptoms—such as fatigue, aversion to greasy food, nausea, and vomiting—after standardized antiviral and liver-protective treatment. Liver function tests show normalization of total bilirubin and transaminase levels, along with reduced hepatitis B virus load and normalized quantitative HBV DNA levels. However, serological testing (hepatitis B panel) may still show positive hepatitis B surface antibody. When these conditions are met, it indicates that antiviral therapy has achieved a clinically curative effect. Nevertheless, this remains far from the ideal cure, and patients should continue antiviral treatment under medical supervision. Discontinuation of antiviral medications without guidance must be avoided, as it may lead to viral rebound and disease relapse.

It is recommended that patients receive interferon therapy as early as possible to achieve seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen and HBeAg, along with seroconversion to surface antibody positivity. Additionally, maintaining adequate nutrition and a balanced lifestyle with proper rest and activity is important in daily life.

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