Patients with chronic HBV infection were recruited in the current study and divided in to peg-IFN-alpha alone group, NAs alone group and the combination therapy group. The serum HBV DNA level, HBV serological test and biochemical examination including serum transaminase level and AFP were recorded every three or six months. The serum, feces, urine and liver (if necessary) samples were collected during follow-up. And the clinical outcomes of patients were evaluated. The clinical and biological features of patients with different clinical outcomes will be compared to explore the factors affecting the antiviral therapeutic efficacy.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health issue with 257 million chronically infected individuals. Of note, China has the largest population accounting for one third of the world's infected population. Approximately, about 300 000 people die each year due to the consequences of HBV. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed the goal for elimination of hepatitis B as public health threat by 2030 and China will be a major contributor towards this global goal. Currently, two approved therapeutic strategies are available including pegylated interferon (IFN) or nucleos (t) ide analogues (NA), which could suppress HBV replication and slow disease progression. Here, investigators hope to launch a cohort study to reveal the clinical features relating to therapeutic efficacy of antiviral therapy and the prognosis of patients with differential therapeutic strategies.