The comparison of initial and follow-up LSM.

<p>The median initial liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and follow-up LSM was 6.6 kPa and 5.4 kPa for group 1 as well as 12.4 kPa and 10.1 kPa for group 2, respectively. There was a significant decrease of LSM in both groups (p<0.001).</p

Linear Regression Analysis of associated factors of LS change for patients with liver cirrhosis (group 2).

<p>Abbreviations: SE: standard error; AST: aspartate aminotransferase; ALT: alanine aminotransferase; PLT: platelet; BMI: body mass index; AFP: alpha-fetoprotein; LS: liver stiffness; wks: weeks; HBeAg: hepatitis B virus e-antigen.</p

The comparison of initial and follow-up ALT.

<p>The median initial ALT and follow-up ALT was 37.5 IU/L and 26 IU/L for group 1 as well as 37 IU/L and 33 IU/L for group 2, respectively. There was a significant decrease of ALT in both groups (p<0.001).</p

The demographics characteristics of patients without liver cirrhosis (Group 1) and patients with liver cirrhosis (Group 2) in the enrolment and follow-up

<p>Abbreviations: AST: aspartate aminotransferase; ALT: alanine aminotransferase; qHBsAg: quantitative hepatitis B virus surface antigen; BMI: body mass index AFP: alpha-fetoprotein; LS: liver stiffness; wks: weeks; HBeAg: hepatitis B virus e-antigen.</p><p>*The comparison was based on 94 patients, including 63 non-cirrhosis and 31 cirrhosis.</p

Logistic regression analysis of factors associated with metabolic syndrome for enrolled total patients, chronic hepatitis B patients and chronic hepatitis C patients.

<p>Logistic regression analysis of factors associated with metabolic syndrome for enrolled total patients, chronic hepatitis B patients and chronic hepatitis C patients.</p

Baseline characteristics of enrolled 395 patients.

<p>Baseline characteristics of enrolled 395 patients.</p

Baseline characteristics of enrolled 228 CHB patients.

<p>Baseline characteristics of enrolled 228 CHB patients.</p

Total patients and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients coexisted with MetS had significant higher liver stiffness level than those without (8.7kPa vs 6.5 kPa, p = 0.01; 10.7 kPa vs 7.3 kPa, p = 0.049, respectively).

<p>Although chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients coexisted with Mets also had higher liver stiffness level than those without, the difference was not significant (7.3 kPa vs 5.9 kPs, p = 0.138).</p

Baseline characteristics of enrolled 150 CHC patients.

<p>Baseline characteristics of enrolled 150 CHC patients.</p

The flow chart of the chronic hepatitis patients enrolled into this study.

<p>MetS represents metabolic syndrome.</p