Treatment of chronic hepatitis B with the sequential administration of interferon and lamivudine

Interferon monotherapy has been shown to induce a sustained viral response in 30-40% of patients with HbeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B infection. Similarly, lamivudine monotherapy causes HBeAg seroconversion in less than 20% of patients treated for one year. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of the sequential administration of interferon alfa-2a plus lamivudine to patients with chronic hepatitis B in comparison to lamivudine monotherapy.

Sixty-one patients with HbeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B infection and raised ALT were randomized to receive either interferon Alfa-2a, 4.5 million units daily for 16 weeks plus lamivudine 100 mg daily starting from week 5 and continuing for 48 weeks (Group A, n = 32) or lamivudine monotherapy for 48 weeks (Group B; n = 29). Patients were followed for 48 weeks after completion of therapy.

HBeAg seroconversion to anti-HB +ve was observed in 2 (6.2%) patients in Group A. Both patients remained HBeAg negative and HBV-DNA negative throughout the follow-up phase. None of the group B patients seroconverted at the end of therapy or during follow-up (P = NS). All group A patients experienced at least one side effect and as a result, one dropped out. All group B patients completed the study without side effects.

The sequential administration of interferon plus lamivudine was not superior to lamivudine monotherapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and was associated with more side effects.