Publication Name	World Journal of Hepatology
Manuscript ID	119837
Country	United States

Category	Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Manuscript Type	Minireviews
Article Title	Phase-dependent interpretation of quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatocellular carcinoma risk in chronic hepatitis B infection
Manuscript Source	Unsolicited Manuscript
All Author List	Yazan Omari and Mohammad Almeqdadi
Funding Agency and Grant Number
Corresponding Author	Yazan Omari, MD, Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, 16001 West 9 Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075, United States. yazanomari12@gmail.com
Key Words	Quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen; Hepatitis B; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Disease phase; Hepatitis B virus integration; Risk stratification; Phase-dependent interpretation
Core Tip	Quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen can serve as a complementary predictor of development of hepatocellular carcinoma among chronic hepatitis B patients. However, its interpretation is largely dependent on the phase of chronic hepatitis B at which it was measured. This phase-dependence arise from inherent differences in the pathophysiology of viral replication (from covalently closed circular DNA in early stages to integration-driven antigen production in later stages) and evolving host immune control. Clinically, quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen offers the most predictive value in hepatitis B e antigen negative patients with low viremia (< 2000 IU/mL). In this group, persistently elevated marker level (> 1000 IU/mL) can identify patients with significantly increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma who warrant closer monitoring or earlier treatment discussion. Recognizing this in context is essential for appropriate clinical use.
Citation	Omari Y, Almeqdadi M. Phase-dependent interpretation of quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatocellular carcinoma risk in chronic hepatitis B infection. World J Hepatol 2026; In press

Received	2026-02-07 03:26
Peer-Review Started	2026-02-07 03:27
First Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-02-28 06:53
Return for Revision	2026-02-28 06:53
Revised	2026-03-17 00:32
Publication Fee Transferred	2026-04-08 17:02
Second Decision by Editor	2026-05-26 02:39
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-05-26 08:31
Articles in Press	2026-05-26 08:31
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	1948-5182 (online)
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Copyright	©Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026. No commercial re-use. See Permissions. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
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