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Lamivudine in chronic hepatitis B virus
1Department of Medicine, King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. gastro20000@yahoo.com
Saudi Medical Journal
|September 18, 2002
Summary
Lamivudine treatment showed a durable response in most patients with chronic hepatitis B, particularly those negative for hepatitis B envelope antigen. Longer treatment durations may enhance response rates in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis B remains a significant global health concern.
- Antiviral therapies are crucial for managing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
- Lamivudine is a nucleoside analog used in HBV treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of one-year Lamivudine treatment for compensated chronic hepatitis B.
- To assess the durability of the treatment response after discontinuation.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-six HBsAg-positive, HBV DNA-positive patients received 100 mg Lamivudine daily for one year.
- Response was defined as normal alanine aminotransferase and undetectable HBV DNA post-treatment.
- Durable response was confirmed 16 weeks after treatment cessation.
Main Results:
- Of 33 completers, 24.2% normalized alanine aminotransferase; 75.8% had elevated levels.
- 90.9% of patients were hepatitis B envelope antigen negative.
- Treatment response rates were 25% (normal ALT) and 28% (elevated ALT); only one relapse occurred post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Lamivudine demonstrates durable efficacy in patients with chronic hepatitis B, especially those with negative hepatitis B envelope antigen.
- Extended treatment duration beyond one year might be necessary to improve overall response rates.