ObjectivesTo systematically review the risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatic B surface antigen (HBsAg).MethodsScopus, EMbase, PubMed, and The Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for relevant studies on HCC after HBsAg seroclearance from inception to October 31st, 2017. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted the data, and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analysis was then conducted using R 3.5.3 software.ResultsA total of 28 studies involving 105 411 patients were included. Among 105 411 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 7 656 patients occurred spontaneously HBsAg seroclearance, while 1 248 patients had HBsAg seroclearance after interferon or nucleoside analogue therapy. The rate of HBsAg seroclearance was 6.77%. Meta-analysis showed that risk factors for HCC after serum HBsAg conversion included cirrhosis (OR=6.43, 95%CI 3.56 to 11.60, P<0.001), male (OR=2.72, 95%CI 1.66 to 4.46,P<0.001), and age ≥50 years at HBsAg seroclearance (OR=3.71, 95%CI 2.17 to 6.35,P<0.001).ConclusionsPatients with CHB after HBsAg seroclearance are still at risk of developing HCC. Therefore, periodic surveillance is recommended, especially for male patients, patients with cirrhosis, and patients who experience HBsAg seroclearance when over 50.