Genotypes and Viremia of Hepatitis B and D Viruses Are Associated with Outcomes of Chronic Hepatitis D Patients

Background & Aims: Genotypes and viremia of hepatitis D virus (HDV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) may be associated with outcomes. This study evaluated the impact of viral genotypes and viremia on outcomes of dual HBV and HDV infection.

Methods: Viremia and viral genotypes were analyzed in 194 consecutive chronic hepatitis B patients with HDV superinfection and correlated with outcomes.

Results: The numbers of HBV genotype A, B, C, and nonclassified were 4, 57, 23, and 110, respectively. There were 51 genotype I HDV, 74 genotype II HDV, 8 genotype IV HDV, and 61 nonclassified HDV genotype. In a median follow-up of 135 months, 24 progressed to cirrhosis and 41 developed hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients infected with genotype I HDV had a lower remission rate (15.2% vs 40.2%; P = .007) and more adverse outcomes (cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or mortality) (52.2% vs 25.0%; P= .005) than those with genotype II HDV. Patients infected with genotype C HBV had a lower remission rate (0 vs 32.1%; P = .005) and more adverse outcomes (70.0% vs 33.9%; P = .005) than those with genotype B HBV. The presence of HBV or HDV viremia was associated with lower remission rates compared with those negative for both (26.4% and 24.3% vs 69.2%; P < .001). In multivariate analysis, age, genotype C HBV, and genotype I HDV were independent factors associated with adverse outcomes.

Conclusions: In chronic HBV and HDV dual infections, older age, genotype I HDV, and genotype C HBV correlated with adverse outcomes.