Long-term effect of lamivudine combined with interferon alpha treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus infection / 中国实用内科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of 2-year treatment of interferon alpha combined with lamivudine therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients. Methods From 1999 to 2001 87 patients were enrolled and randomized into two groups.36 patients received interferon alpha and lamivudine simultaneously for 26 weeks,then lamivudine alone for 76 weeks.51 patients received lamivudine alone for 104 weeks.The efficacy was evaluated by biochemical and virological parameters.The YMDD motif was detected in both groups. Results There was no difference between two groups in HBV DNA response ( P =0.24).Proportion of HBeAg/Anti-HBe seroconversion in combination group was significantly higher than lamivudine group (38.9% vs 17.6%)( P =0.03).HBV YMDD mutation rate in combination group was lower than in lamivudine group (22.2% vs 43.1%, P =0.04). Conclusion The efficacy of combination therapy appeares to be better than lamivudine monotherapy.Combination treatment may delay or diminish the development of HBV YMDD mutation.