Maintaining complete virological suppression by reduced doses of nucleos(t)ide analogue in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

In patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), withdrawal of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) can put patients at risk of hepatitis relapses. Here, we examined a dose-reducing strategy. From March 2008 to September 2016, 48 patients with CHB who had received full-dose NA (35 entecavir; 13 tenofovir) and achieved complete virological response (lasting for >1 year), were placed on a reduced dose of antivirals (twice a week) subsequently. In a median follow-up period of 33.2 months, only one patient experienced a virological but not biochemical breakthrough. No deterioration of estimated glomerular filtration rate was found. This strategy could be used in areas where full dose, lifelong treatment is unachievable.