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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
04:11
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
Published on: December 15, 2023
[Acute hepatitis B: is antiviral therapy indicated? Two case reports]
J Girke1, H Wedemeyer, J Wiegand
1Zentrum Innere Medizin, Abteilung Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Med. Hochschule Hannover.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|May 21, 2008
Summary
Entecavir and adefovir show promise in treating severe acute hepatitis B when initial lamivudine therapy fails. These nucleoside analogs may be effective for patients with prolonged prothrombin times, warranting further study.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The efficacy of entecavir and adefovir in treating acute hepatitis B remains largely unknown.
- Acute hepatitis B can lead to severe liver damage and impaired liver function.
Observation:
- Two patients with severe acute hepatitis B presented with jaundice, rash, and abdominal discomfort.
- Laboratory findings revealed significant liver cell damage, elevated transaminases and bilirubin, impaired liver synthesis, and high viral loads.
Findings:
- Initial treatment with lamivudine did not lead to adequate recovery in either patient.
- Switching to entecavir or adding adefovir resulted in clinical improvement, suggesting their efficacy when lamivudine fails.
Implications:
- Entecavir and adefovir may be effective therapeutic options for acute hepatitis B, particularly in cases of lamivudine failure.
- Antiviral therapy is recommended for acute hepatitis B patients with significantly prolonged prothrombin times.
- Further large-scale studies are needed to establish consensus on antiviral therapy for acute hepatitis B.
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