Immune tolerance phase

Immune tolerance phase is diagnosed based on the presence of high serum levels of HBV-DNA, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), but normal or minimally elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and normal liver or only minimal histological activity and scant fibrosis.

HBeAg positive CHB

HBeAg positive CHB is defined as those with HBsAg positive for more 6 months, HBeAg positive, high HBV DNA, elevated serum levels of ALT and histological activity.

HBeAg negative CHB

HBeAg negative CHB is defined as those with HBeAg negative, anti-HBe positive, lower serum HBV DNA levels and histological necroinflammation and fibrosis.

Inactive HBsAg carriers

Inactive HBsAg carriers was defined as those with HBsAg positive than 6 months, with low HBV DNA and persistently normal ALT, without evidence of cirrhosis.

Compensated cirrhosis

Diagnosis of compensated cirrhosis can be made if one of the following criteria was met:~1. by liver histology: Ishak fibrosis stage 5-6 or METAVIR F4.~2. endoscopy-proven gastroesophageal varices, afrter excluding non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.~3. at least 2 features of cirrhosis:~ 1. irregular liver surface, granular or nodular liver parenchyma, with or without splenomegaly (spleen thickness \> 4.0cm or \> 5 rib units) on ultrasound ,CT or MRI;~ 2. PLT\<100×109/L without other causes;~ 3. Serum album in\<35 g/L or INR\>1.3 or PT prolongs\>3s;~ 4. LSM\>13 kpa (ALT\<5×ULN).

Decompensated cirrhosis

Decompensated cirrhosis was diagnosed based on the presence of ascites, bleeding esophageal varices and/or hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients.

Hepatocellular carcinoma

Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma（HCC）can be established when one of the following one of the following 2 criteria:（1）in cirrhotic patients with nodules of 1cm or larger with typical features of HCC ( arterial enhancement with washout in venous or delay phase) on 2 radiological studies or with 1 radiological study and elevation of serum AFP; or（2）histological evidence of HCC.