ABSTRACT
Introduction: Interferon alfa has antiviral and immunomedulatory effects that can induce virologic and biochemical remission in chronic hepatitis B [CHB] infection
Material and Methods: Lamivudine 100mg per day and Interferon a-2b 10megaut3 times per week were given for 26 weeks to 22 adult patients with Liver biopsy-proved chronic Hepatitis B who had been treated with Lamivudine at least 52 weeks. The virologic, immunophoresis, Liver function tests and hematologic assays were evaluated
Results: the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of high dosages of Interferon plus standard dosages of Lamivudine in precoremutant or lamivudine resistant chronic Hepatitis B. 3. Groups of patients were found; group. I: HBeAg - tive, HBeAb + live, HBV DNA PCR + tive CHB [6 pts]. Group II: HBeAg - tive, HBeAb - tive, HBV DNA PCR + tive CHB [5 pts]. ,Group III: HBeAg + tive, HBeAb - tive, HBV DNA PCR + tive CHB [11 pts]. Clearance of HBV DNA occurred in 3 pts in group III and Ipt in each group I and II. Aminotransferase normalization in 9 pts in group III and 4 pts in group I and II
Conclusion: A six-months course of high dosages of INF a-2b in Combination with Lamivudine in patients with CHB infection made a sustained depression of HBV in HBeAg positive CHB. Significant studies with more patients are needed to confirm this study