Factors associated with postoperative HBV reactivation in HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma patients with HBV-DNA levels less than the minimum

Objective: This study was aim to clarify the postoperative hepatitis B virus reactivation (PHR) and risk factors of PHR in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA levels less than the minimum. And to figure out the significance of antiviral therapy on liver function recovery after hepatectomy. Methods: A total of 74 HCC patients with preoperative HBV-DNA levels less than minimum were analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups, 20 HCC patients were given antiviral therapy at least 3 days before hepatectomy, and 54 HCC patients were not given antiviral therapy. Results: Of the 74 HCC patients enrolled, 16 (21.6%) HCC patients suffered PHR. Among non-antiviral group, 15 (27.0%, 15/54) patients suffered PHR. While for antiviral therapy group, only 1 (5.0%, 1/20) patient suffered PHR. The difference was statistically significant. Patients in antiviral group had a faster recovery of albumin. Conclusion: HCC patients with HBV-DNA levels less than minimum still has the risk of PHR. Preoperative antiviral therapy could significantly decrease the incidence of PHR, which may also improve postoperative liver function.