The Efficacy and Safety of Nucleos(t)Ide Analogues in the Treatment of HBV-related Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure

Potent antivirals like entecavir (ETV), Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) and Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) now are recommended as first-line therapy for patients with chronic HBV infection because of their significant suppression of viral replication and a high barrier to resistance. HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a clinical syndrome defined as acute hepatic insult with diagnosed or undiagnosed chronic liver disease. Only a limited number of medical treatments are available for ACLF. Although liver transplantation is a life-saving treatment for ACLF, the difficulty in finding a suitable donor and the high cost hinder its extensive clinical use. The precise mechanism underlying the liver injury caused by HBV-related ACLF and the factors contributing to the progression of liver failure remain unknown. HBV DNA replication is one of the key factors causing the progression from liver damage to liver failure. Current clinical guidelines advocate oral antiviral treatment in HBV-related ACLF. However, the specific antiviral treatment for patients with liver failure remains unclear. In the past years, efficacy of nucleoside analogues, such as lamivudine, entecavir, telbivudine and tenofovir, for HBV-related liver failure has been reported. However, no conclusion on which nucleoside analogue is the most satisfactory drug for the treatment of HBV-related liver failure has not been reached yet. In this cohort study, the investigators will compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) and entecavir (ETV) in HBV-related ACLF in China. In addition, pharmacokinetic properties of TAF tablets will be explored in the study subjects.