Long-term follow-up of patients with anti-HBe/HBV DNA-positive chronic hepatitis B treated for 12 months with lamivudine

摘要: Abstract Background/Aims: Interferon alpha provides benefit in only a limited number of patients with chronic anti-HBe-positive hepatitis B. The aim this study was to verify the long-term efficacy lamivudine treatment these and incidence lamivudine-resistant B virus mutants. Methods: Fifteen consecutive were treated 100 mg once daily for 52 weeks. Levels alanine aminotransferase, HBV DNA, surface antigen, IgM antibodies core antigen monitored during therapy 12-month follow up. polymerase gene amplified by chain reaction region coding YMDD amino acid motif directly sequenced. Results: Only 2/15 (13%) had sustained virological biochemical response improved histologically. Eleven out 15 (74%) showed inhibition viral replication normalization aminotransferase levels but relapsed 1–12 months after terminating therapy. In two remaining (13%), DNA initially became negative reappeared serum 24 weeks, both emergence mutants demonstrated. Conclusions: Our data confirm antiviral patients, 1-year course transient as majority withdrawal. lack effect suggest that should be based on combination several therapeutic agents.