Prognostic factors have not been elucidated for severe acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B treated with antiviral therapy. This study aimed to explore the role of baseline viral load in predicting mortality. Methods: This retrospective cohort study screened consecutive chronic hepatitis B patients (n=84) receiving antiviral therapy for severe acute exacerbation, defined as abrupt elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase >10× the upper limit of normal along with hyperbilirubinaemia.

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... ival pattern was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and predictors for mortality determined by the Cox regression analysis. Results: A total of 66 patients were eligible and followedup for a median of 23 months (range 0.1-75.0). Overall, 20 (30.3%) patients died during the study period, with the vast majority (n=17) succumbing rapidly within 3 months