Comparing the efficacy of alpha-interferon and lamivudine in patients with chronic hepatitis B

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus [HBV] infection is a worldwide health concern. Alpha-interferon and lamivudine have been approved for HBV patients; however, their efficacy remains a matter of controversy. The present study compares these two antiviral regimens in a group of Iranian patients with chronic hepatitis B. It was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Totally, 32 newly diagnosed hepatitis B patients were assigned in 2 groups of lamivudine [100mg per day orally] and alpha-interferon 2a [9 million units every other days subcutaneously]. Both groups were evaluated at weeks 0,1,2,4, and monthly after till the 6[th] month at Tehran Hepatitis Center. HBV DNA, HBeAg, anti-HBe, ALT activity, liver biopsy according to Knodell scoring system and drug side effects were determined, when appropriate. The mean age of the patients was 31.4 +/- 8.8 years. PCR studies revealed negative in 13 [81.3%] interferon- and 15 [93.8%] larnivudine-treated subjects after 6 months of therapy. Among 17 patients with ALT activity of less than 70IU/l prior to therapy, 9 [90%] interferon- and 7 [100%] lamivudine-treated patients were found to have negative PCR results following the therapy [p<0.001]. Primary response to therapy was detected in 3 interferon- and 6 lamivudine-treated subjects, while secondary response was reported in 8 [50%] interferon- and 12 [75%] lamivudine-treated patients. No lamivudine-associated side effect was demonstrated. Lamivudine is a well-tolerated cost-effective antiviral drug for hepatitis B patients. It could be prescribed as the initial drug for patients with chronic hepatitis B