Efficacy of ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 6-month course of ribavirin (Rb) (1200 mg/day) in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Sixty patients with CHB were randomly assigned in a double-blind placebo (Pl) controlled study; 30 patients received oral Rb (1200 mg/day) and 30 received Pl for 24 weeks. Patients were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg); and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA-positive, with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels 1.5 times higher than normal values. Clinical evaluations and laboratory tests were carried out at regular intervals; tests included total blood cell count, liver function tests, and HBV serum markers. Baseline and control liver biopsies were carried out. HBeAg seroconversion occurred in 50.0% of the patients in the Rb group (vs 6.6% in the Pl group; P = 0.00019); HBV DNA negativization occurred in 33.3% in the Rb group (vs 6.6% in the Pl group; P = 0.009); and improvement in the necroinflammatory index occurred in 53.3% in the Rb group (vs 23.3% in the Pl group; P = 0.02). The drug was well tolerated; the most important side effect in the Rb group was hemoglobin reduction, which was reversible once the treatment was stopped. Ribavirin was an effective treatment, demonstrated by decreased ALT levels, alleviation of histological damage, seroconversion of HBeAg, and HBV-DNA negativization; Rb may be an alternative agent in the treatment of CHB, without significant side effects.

[Role of ribavirin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B]. / Papel de la ribavirina en el tratamiento de la hepatitis crónica B.

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 1,200 mg/day of ribavirin for 6 months in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An open study was carried out with 25 patients with chronic hepatitis B who had previously received placebo (first phase) as part of a randomized, double blind study and who remained HBeAg and HBV DNA positive. In the second phase they received oral ribavirin (1,200 mg/day) for 24 weeks and the results of the first phase were compared with those of the second. All the patients had a recent histological diagnosis and were anti-HCV and anti-HIV negative. In both phases clinical and laboratory evaluations were carried out at weeks, 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 40 and 48 which included blood tests, liver function tests and serological markers of HBV, and HBV DNA when HBeAg became negative. Liver biopsy was performed at the beginning of the first phase, 6 months later and at the end of the second phase. RESULTS: Mean values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) showed a clear downward trend and were reduced by 50% at the end of the study while during the first phase these values were similar to basal values (range 32.3-45.5 IU). In the second phase, seroconversion of HBeAg was 56.0% (p = 0.00001) and HBV DNA was negative in 36%. The number of patients who showed improvement in Knodell's index was 86.7% in the second phase vs. 13.3% in the first phase (p = 0.00001). The drug was well tolerated and the only significant adverse reactions were a reduction in hemoglobin levels greater than 10% of the basal value in 84% of the patients, gastric acidity in 40% and fatigue in 32%. CONCLUSIONS: Ribavirin therapy at a dose of 1,200 mg/day for 24 weeks was well tolerated and efficacious in returning serum ALT levels to normal, in the seroconversion of HBeAg and negativization of HBV DNA as well as in reducing liver necrosis and inflammation. This study confirms that ribavirin may be considered a therapeutic option in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.