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Current antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B.
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
Journal of Korean Medical Science
|August 17, 2004
Summary
Recent advances in chronic hepatitis B treatment show approved drugs like interferon-alpha, lamivudine, and adefovir dipivoxil improve outcomes. Adefovir dipivoxil offers a key advantage with rare resistance development.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) management has seen significant therapeutic advancements over the last decade.
- Current approved treatments include interferon-alpha, lamivudine, and adefovir dipivoxil.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the natural history of chronic hepatitis B.
- To summarize recent knowledge regarding the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on CHB treatments.
- Analysis of efficacy and side effect profiles of approved therapies.
Main Results:
- Interferon-alpha, lamivudine, and adefovir dipivoxil demonstrate superior HBeAg loss and anti-HBe seroconversion rates compared to no treatment.
- Lamivudine exhibits a high initial remission rate but suffers from significant viral resistance over time.
- Adefovir dipivoxil shows a low incidence of resistance and efficacy against lamivudine-resistant strains.
Conclusions:
- All three agents offer benefits in managing chronic hepatitis B.
- Adefovir dipivoxil presents a favorable profile due to low resistance rates and effectiveness against resistant viral strains.