Background/Aims
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of lamivudine in patients with HBeAg-negative and HBV DNA-positive chronic liver disease. Methods: Twenty-four chronic liver disease patients were enrolled whose serology had common characteristics of HBeAg (-), and anti-HBe (+) but HBV DNA (+). All had elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. 150mg of lamivudine was given orally once daily for more than 6 months. The goal of this treatment was the elimination of HBV DNA in serum and normalization of ALT level. Once HBV DNA disappearance and ALT normalization were observed, lamivudine was continued for two additional months. HBeAg, anti-HBe, HBV DNA and ALT were followed up every 1-2 month during, and after, treatment. Results: Median duration of treatment was seven months. HBV DNA became undetectable after a median one month of treatment and ALT activity was normalized in all 24 patients within six months. Among the sixteen patients who were followed for more than 12 months after cessation of treatment, six relapsed. The cumulative relapse rate at 12 months was 37.5%. Conclusion: Lamivudine suppresses HBV replication effectively and normalizes serum ALT in patients with HBeAg-negative and HBV DNA-positive chronic liver disease. The relapse rate after cessation of treatment seems to be relatively low.
