Tenofovir Alafenamide versus Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate for Preventing Vertical Transmission in Chronic Hepatitis B Mothers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Objective International guidelines recommend maternal tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) therapy accompanied by infant immunoprophylaxis to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) in highly viremic mothers. However, pooled analyses for tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) effects and comparisons between the 2 regimens are lacking. Design In this meta-analysis, pairs of independent reviewers performed multiple database searches from inception to 31 March 2024 and extracted data from cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in highly viremic mothers. The outcomes of interest were the reduction of MTCT and safety in the TDF-treated, TAF-treated, and control groups. Results We included 31 studies with 2588 highly viremic mothers receiving TDF, 280 receiving TAF, and 1600 receiving no treatment. Compared to the control, TDF therapy reduced the MTCT rate in infants aged 6–12 months (risk ratio: 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] .07–.16). Pairwise meta-analysis between TAF and TDF revealed similar effects on reducing MTCT (risk ratio: 1.09, 95% confidence interval .16–7.61). Network meta-analysis showed equal efficacy of the 2 regimens in reducing MTCT (risk ratio: 1.09, 95% CI .15–7.65). The surface under the cumulative ranking curve revealed TDF as the best regimen compared with TAF (probability ranking: .77 vs .72), while receiving a placebo during pregnancy had the lowest efficacy (probability ranking 0.01). There were no safety concerns for mothers and infants in all regimens. Conclusions Compared to placebo or no treatment, maternal TDF and TAF prophylaxis are equally effective and without safety concerns in reducing MTCT in highly viremic mothers.