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El Sherbini A, Omar A. Treatment of children with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Dig Liver Dis 2014; 46:1103-10. [PMID: 25195086 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2014.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 07/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective management of children with chronic hepatitis B is still an unresolved issue. AIM To assess the outcome of different therapeutic regimens among children with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. METHODS Electronic database searches identified clinical trials that completed specific periods of treatment and follow-up. Sustained response rates were defined by the loss of HBV DNA and HBeAg, and by the normalization of liver enzymes. The loss of HBsAg and seroconversion to anti-HBs were also listed. RESULTS Our searches found 20 eligible articles (1112 enrolled patients, 2-18 years old). Interferon-alpha therapy showed significantly higher sustained response rate and loss of HBsAg than no therapy (Odd's ratio 3.0, 95% confidence interval 1.6-5.4; and 2.3, 1.1-11.3, respectively). The sustained response rate was not significantly different between interferon and interferon plus lamivudine, or plus prednisone, or plus hepatitis B vaccine; this rate was significantly higher for interferon compared with combined interferon plus levamisole or vitamin E. CONCLUSION Interferon-alpha is still the most effective treatment option for children with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. Randomized trials are warranted for further comparing interferon to newer antiviral agents in terms of efficacy, safety, emergence of mutant variants, and cost/benefit ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asmaa Omar
- Public Health, Preventive and Social Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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2
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Wei Q, Xu X, Ling Q, Zhou B, Zheng SS. Perioperative antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2013; 12:251-5. [PMID: 23742769 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(13)60041-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After effective treatment with antiviral agent, patients with low serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level had a low incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV reactivation after HCC surgery is associated with HCC recurrence. To date, there are no universal guidelines for the perioperative antiviral treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B, let alone antiviral therapy in patients with HBV-related HCC. The present analysis is trying to develop a perioperative anti-HBV treatment protocol. DATA SOURCES A literature search of PubMed was performed, the key words were "perioperative" "antiviral therapy", "hepatocellular carcinoma" and "chronic hepatitis B". All of the information was collected. RESULTS Relevant documents showed that reactivation of HBV replication played a direct role in the late recurrence of HCC after surgical resection. The well control of viral load before and after operation significantly increased tumor-free survival. Many drugs are used in antiviral therapy including interferon alpha and nucleoside analogues. Foscarnet, two-agent or even multiagent of nucleoside analogues is necessary for perioperative antiviral treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B related HCC. CONCLUSIONS HBV reactivation after HCC surgery induces hepatitis flare and hepatocarcinogenesis, thus lifelong and vigorous control of HBV is very important in patients with chronic hepatitis B and HBV-related HCC. A uniform guideline is necessary to rapidly reduce HBV DNA to a lower level in perioperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wei
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China
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Yu LH, Li N, Cheng SQ. The Role of Antiviral Therapy for HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Hepatol 2011; 2011:416459. [PMID: 21994855 PMCID: PMC3170809 DOI: 10.4061/2011/416459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2010] [Revised: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly prevalent and lethal cancer worldwide; despite the curative treatment for HCC, the rate of tumor recurrence after hepatectomy remains high. Tumor recurrence can occur early (<2 years) or late (>2 years) as metastases or de novo tumors. Several tumor factors were associated with HCC recurrence; high hepatitis B virus (HBV) load is the major risk factor for late recurrence of HCC after resection. Preoperative antiviral therapy improves liver function, and postoperative reduce HCC recurrence. In this paper, we focus on antiviral treatment to improve the liver function, prevent recurrence, and lengthen the overall survival for HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-He Yu
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Nan Li
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Shu-Qun Cheng
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China,Tumor Comprehensive Treatment Department, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China,*Shu-Qun Cheng:
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Sun X, Qin W, Zhou R, Wang L, Li Y, Zhao L. Effect of conventional interferon-α in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Evid Based Med 2010; 3:220-5. [PMID: 21349073 DOI: 10.1111/j.1756-5391.2010.01100.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although a few studies have tested the effect of interferon-α on chronic hepatitis B, its treatment effect remains uncertain, and the association of treatment effect with intervention characteristics has not been thoroughly explored. This study examined the effect of IFN-α in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B, and investigated the characteristics associated with treatment effect. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Scientific Citation Index, Current Content Connect, Cochrane Controlled Trial Register, and Chinese Biomedical Database, all up to 15 September 2009. We included randomized trials comparing IFN-α to placebo, no treatment, or standard care (SC) in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. Two reviewers assessed the risk of bias and extracted data, independently and in duplicate. We conducted meta-analyses of the included studies, and subgroup analyses to examine the association of pre-specified characteristics (eg, dose, treatment duration) with treatment effect. RESULTS A total of 31 randomized controlled trials, involving 2164 patients, were included. The risk of bias varied across studies. Compared with placebo, no treatment, or SC, IFN-α improved loss of HBeAg (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.83 to 3.04), HBV DNA undetectability (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.28 to 3.32), HBeAg seroconversion (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.62), ALT normalization (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.56), and loss of HBsAg (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.22 to 4.91). Treatment effects differed in high versus low dose, and long versus short duration of IFN-α. The effect of high dose IFN-α (OR 3.28, 95% CI 2.31 to 4.66) is statistically larger than that of low dose IFN-α (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.28) on loss of HBeAg (interaction P = 0.017), and longer IFN-α treatment durations produce greater effects (OR 3.28, 95% CI 2.16 to 5.00) than do shorter durations (OR 1.94, 95% CI 0.42 to 2.66, interaction P = 0.038). High dose IFN-α had a significant effect on HBV DNA undetectability (OR 2.80, 95% CI 2.03 to 3.86), while low dose IFN-α did not (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.41, interaction P = 0.01); longer treatments significantly improved HBV DNA undetectability (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.62 to 4.12), but shorter durations did not (OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.97, interaction P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS IFN-α can improve serological, biomedical, and virological response. Higher doses and prolonged treatments appear to have larger treatment benefits than lower doses and shorter treatments. However, the increased adverse reactions and costs associated with higher doses and prolonged treatment warrant caution in applying these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Sun
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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5
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Lim SG, Mohammed R, Yuen MF, Kao JH. Prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B virus infection. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009; 24:1352-7. [PMID: 19702903 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2009.05985.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B is the main risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Asia. The most important preventive strategy's adoption of the universal hepatitis B vaccination program is now in its third decade. There is a clear reduction in both chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (hepatitis B surface antigen "carriage") but also in childhood HCC in Taiwan. An outstanding concern is variability in vaccine coverage between countries. For patients with chronic hepatitis B, serum HBV DNA levels have emerged as the key risk factor for development of HCC. The initial treatment for chronic hepatitis B was interferon. One randomized control trial, and several case-control or cohort studies have shown benefits for preventing HCC, particularly in cirrhotic patients who responded to therapy. With nucleos(t)ide analogs, the most important study has been the Asian Cirrhosis Lamivudine multicenter randomized controlled trial. This showed that lamivudine can reduce disease progression in HBV-related cirrhosis, including an approximately 50% decrease in HCC incidence. Such efficacy was achieved despite emergence of drug resistance in approximately 50% of cases. Case-control studies have suggested that hepatitis B cases without cirrhosis may also benefit. In conclusion, it is now possible to prevent HBV-related HCC. The most effective method is hepatitis B vaccination, which prevents chronic HBV infection and chronic liver disease resulting therefrom. Interferon therapy appears to confer benefit but the evidence is weaker. First-generation oral antiviral (lamivudine) reduces HCC risk, particularly in cirrhotics. Long-term outcome data with newer, more potent HBV antivirals that have a higher genetic barrier to drug resistance are eagerly awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seng Gee Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Yong Yoo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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Meta-analysis: the effect of interferon on development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. J Gastroenterol 2009; 44:470-5. [PMID: 19308310 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-009-0024-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2008] [Accepted: 12/10/2008] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus, interferon has been used for the purpose of viral suppression by loss of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) with or without seroconversion to antibody to HBeAg (anti-HBe). However, discussion about the effect of interferon on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been controversial. METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis of published studies. Eight studies were retrieved (1,303 patients), including two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and six non-RCTs (553 patients received interferon treatment). RESULTS The pooled estimate of the preventive effect of treatment was significantly in favor of interferon (risk difference -5.0%; 95% CI -9.4 to -0.5, P = 0.028). By subgroup analyses, the preventive effect of interferon treatment was shown in the Asian population (risk difference -8.5%; 95%CI -13.6 to -3.6, P = 0.0012), the population with the incidental rate of HCC >or=10% if untreated with interferon (risk difference -9.4%; 95%CI -14.2 to -4.6, P = 0.0001), and the population with the proportion of HBeAg-positive patients to the study population >or=70% (RD -6.0%; 95%CI -11.8 to -0.2, P = 0.043). However, the preventive effect of interferon was not shown in the European population, the population with a lower incidental rate of HCC if untreated with interferon, and the population with the lower proportion of HBeAg-positive patients to the study population. An evaluation using the Begg method indicated no evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS Interferon treatment is considered to restrain HCC development in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection, especially in HBeAg-positive Asians.
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Marugán RB, Garzón SG. DNA-guided hepatitis B treatment, viral load is essential, but not sufficient. World J Gastroenterol 2009; 15:423-30. [PMID: 19152446 PMCID: PMC2653363 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.15.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2008] [Revised: 12/17/2008] [Accepted: 12/24/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem that concerns 350 million people worldwide. Individuals with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are at increased risk of developing liver cirrhosis, hepatic de-compensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. To maintain undetectable viral load reduces chronic infection complications. There is no treatment that eradicates HBV infection. Current drugs are expensive, are associated with adverse events, and are of limited efficacy. Current guidelines try to standardize the clinical practice. Nevertheless, controversy remains about management of asymptomatic patients with CHB who are hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive with normal alanine aminotransferase, and what is the cut-off value of viral load to distinguish HBeAg-negative CHB patients and inactive carriers. We discuss in detail why DNA level alone is not sufficient to begin treatment of CHB.
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9
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10
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Pardo M, Bartolomé J, Carreño V. Current therapy of chronic hepatitis B. Arch Med Res 2007; 38:661-77. [PMID: 17613358 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2006.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2006] [Accepted: 12/04/2006] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Pardo
- Fundación para el Estudio de las Hepatitis Virales, Madrid, Spain
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11
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Yang BF, Zhao HL, Xue C, Xiong XH, Zhang W, Yao XQ, Liu ZM. Recombinant heat shock protein 65 carrying hepatitis B core antigen induces HBcAg-specific CTL response. Vaccine 2007; 25:4478-86. [PMID: 17467856 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2006] [Revised: 02/13/2007] [Accepted: 03/08/2007] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have provided evidence that heat shock protein 65 (Hsp65) can elicit potent specific cellular adaptive immune responses (e.g. CD8(+) cytotoxic T-cell effectors or classic CTLs) based on their ability to chaperone antigenic peptides. Hsp65 is thus an effective carrier for heterologous peptide epitopes for therapeutic vaccines against cancer or chronic infectious diseases. The core antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBcAg) is extremely immunogenic, and functions as both a T-cell-dependent and a T-cell-independent antigen. Therefore, HBcAg may be a promising candidate target for therapeutic vaccine control of chronic HBV infection. Here, a chimeric protein, Hsp65Bc, was created by fusing the HBcAg sequence to the carboxyl terminus of the Hsp65 sequence in E. coli. Analysis of its antigenicity and immunogenicity revealed that HBc epitopes are surface accessible. Hsp65Bc induced moderate anti-HBc immune responses as well as a strong specific T-cell response in BALB/c mice. These results indicate that Hsp65Bc may have potential as a vaccine for treatment of HBV chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-fen Yang
- Department of Microbiological Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, 20 Dongdaije Street, Fengtai District, Beijing 100071, China
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13
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Heipertz RA, Miller TG, Kelley CM, Delaney WE, Locarnini SA, Isom HC. In vitro study of the effects of precore and lamivudine-resistant mutations on hepatitis B virus replication. J Virol 2007; 81:3068-76. [PMID: 17215289 PMCID: PMC1866076 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02341-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the consequences of mutation in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome on HBV replication is critical for treating chronic HBV infection. In this study, HBV replication in HepG2 cells initiated by transduction with precore (PC), rtM204I, and wild-type (wt) HBV recombinant baculoviruses was compared. The pattern and magnitude of HBV replication initiated by the PC HBV recombinant baculovirus were similar to those observed for wt HBV throughout the time course examined. In contrast, when the rtM204I mutation was introduced into wt HBV, by day 10 postinfection the levels of intra- and extracellular HBV DNA were markedly reduced compared to those for wt HBV. Although the rtM204I mutation reduced the production of HBV replicative intermediates, no effect on the level of covalently closed circular DNA or HBV transcripts was observed at late time points. Coinfection studies with different ratios of wt and rtM204I baculoviruses showed that the rtM204I variant did not produce a product that inhibited HBV replication. However, the combination of the wt and rtM204I baculoviruses yielded HBV DNA levels at late time points that were greater than those for the wt alone, suggesting that wt polymerase may function in trans to boost rtM204I replication. We concluded that the rtM204I mutation generates a polymerase that is not only resistant to lamivudine but also replicates nucleic acids to lower levels in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Heipertz
- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, The Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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Lee KS, Kim DJ. Management of Chronic Hepatitis B. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY 2007; 13:447-88. [DOI: 10.3350/kjhep.2007.13.4.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kwan Sik Lee
- Chairman of Scientific Committee of the Korean Association for the Study of the Liver, Korea
| | - Dong Joon Kim
- Chairman of Scientific Secretary of the Korean Association for the Study of the Liver, Korea
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Abstract
The available evidence on interferon-alpha (IFN) treatment for chronic hepatitis B is sufficient to conclude that in patients with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis, standard IFN therapy significantly improves clearance of HBeAg (number needed to treat [NNT] = 4), loss of HBV-DNA (NNT = 4) and clearance of HBsAg (NNT = 18). HBeAg positive patients with normal or slightly raised ALT should be treated only if there is histological evidence of progressive disease. In patients with HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis, less than 20% of subjects who have achieved an end-of-treatment virological response after a course of standard IFN maintain a sustained virological response in the long-term. IFN treatment could help to delay or prevent disease decompensation and liver-related deaths but further large studies are needed. Lamivudine is effective at reducing, and sometimes clearing, HBV replication in heavily immunosuppressed patients and can be safely administered to patients with advanced liver disease. Lamivudine should be continued over an undefined extended period of time, with a switch from lamivudine to adefovir if there is an HBV-DNA breakthrough under therapy. Adefovir, excluding cost, is preferable to lamivudine as a first-choice because there is less chance of inducing resistance. The long-term benefit of lamivudine and adefovir and the role of combinations is under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Craxì
- Clinica Medica I, Cattedra di Gastroenterologia, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
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Gish RG. Current treatment and future directions in the management of chronic hepatitis B viral infection. Clin Liver Dis 2005; 9:541-65, v. [PMID: 16207563 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2005.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization places hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the top 10 causes of death worldwide. It is estimated that there are over 400 million carriers of HBV as well. At least 20% to 30% of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers will die of complications of chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. The serious consequences of end-stage liver disease and liver cancer occur in 30% of chronic carriers and confront patients and physicians throughout the world. Vaccination is the major form of treatment (prevention) that may eventually eliminate HBV worldwide. This article discusses the currently available treatments as well as evolving treatments for chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Gish
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Complex GI, Physicians Foundation, California Pacific Medical Center, 2340 Clay Street, Room 232, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.
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Sherman M, Bain V, Villeneuve JP, Myers RP, Cooper C, Martin S, Lowe C. The management of chronic viral hepatitis: A Canadian consensus conference 2004. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DES MALADIES INFECTIEUSES ET DE LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE 2004; 15:313-26. [PMID: 18159509 PMCID: PMC2094989 DOI: 10.1155/2004/326964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2004] [Accepted: 09/09/2004] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Several government and nongovernment organizations held a consensus conference on the management of acute and chronic viral hepatitis to update previous management recommendations. The conference became necessary because of the introduction of new forms of therapy for both hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The conference issued recommendations on the investigation and management of chronic hepatitis B, including the use of lamivudine, adefovir and interferon. The treatment of hepatitis B in several special situations was also discussed. There were also recommendations on the investigation and treatment of chronic hepatitis C and hepatitis C-HIV coinfection. In addition, the document makes some recommendations about the provision of services by provincial governments to facilitate the delivery of care to patients with hepatitis virus infection. The present document is meant to be used by practitioners and other health care providers, including public health staff and others not directly involved in patient care.
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Danalioglu A, Kaymakoglu S, Cakaloglu Y, Demir K, Karaca C, Durakoglu Z, Bozaci M, Badur S, Cevikbas U, Okten A. Efficacy of alpha interferon therapy for lamivudine resistance in chronic hepatitis B. Int J Clin Pract 2004; 58:659-61. [PMID: 15311721 DOI: 10.1111/j.1368-5031.2004.00011.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The occurrence of lamivudine resistance is often associated with the clinical breakthrough, which is characterised by the reappearance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum and the elevation of aminotransferases. We evaluated the efficacy of alpha interferon for clinical breakthrough in patients receiving lamivudine therapy. PATIENTS Six chronic hepatitis B patients receiving lamivudine were enrolled in the study. RESULTS Under lamivudine therapy, clinical breakthroughs occurred in between fifteenth and thirty-fourth month of lamivudine therapy. HBV DNA reappeared, and alanine aminotransferase was elevated. Genotypic analysis showed M552V, M552I and L528M mutations. After determining the clinical breakthrough, standard alpha interferon-2b was given for 6 months. Lamivudine was also maintained. In only one patient, HBV DNA became negative by polymerase chain reaction, and serum alanine transaminase level was normal at the end of therapy. CONCLUSION Alpha interferon added to lamivudine is generally ineffective in the treatment of lamivudine resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Danalioglu
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Abstract
Pegylated interferon alpha-a (40 kDa) has recently been shown to be superior to conventional interferon. Furthermore, in a pilot study, pegylated interferon alpha-2b together with lamivudine was superior to lamivudine monotherapy. Therefore, the pegylated interferons alone or in combination with antiviral agents are likely to be the treatment of the future. Selecting patients for treatment and knowing when to treat them is as important as knowing which medicine to treat them with.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Graham Cooksley
- Department of Medicine, The University of Queensland, C8 Clinical Sciences Building, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Queensland 4029, Australia.
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Liu ZW, Han QY, Zhang N, Kang W. Sequential changes of serum ferritin levels and their clinical significance in lamivudine-treated patients with chronic viral hepatitis B. World J Gastroenterol 2004; 10:972-6. [PMID: 15052677 PMCID: PMC4717115 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i7.972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM: To study the sequential changes of serum ferritin levels in lamivudine-treated patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and the clinical implications.
METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with chronic viral hepatitis B were prospectively studied during their treatment with lamivudine. Each patient received 100 mg oral lamivudine daily for 12 mo, and was observed and tested for blood biochemistry and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels and serum ferritin levels at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 mo during the treatment. Serum HBV DNA levels were quantitatively determined using fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR), and serum ferritin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The sequential changes of serum ferritin levels and their relationships with virological, serological and biochemical responses in the patients were analyzed.
RESULTS: All the patients had a baseline HBV DNA level higher than 1 × 107 copies/L as determined by FQ-PCR and positive HBsAg and HBeAg and abnormal ALT levels. At the end of the 12-mo treatment, 19 of the 38(50.00%) patients had undetectable serum HBV DNA levels by FQ-PCR, and 12(31.58%) became negative for serum HBeAg and 10(26.32%) had seroconversion from HBeAg to HBeAb. Nineteen out of the 38(50.00%) patients had biochemically normal ALT levels after 12-mo lamivudine treatment. Sequential determination showed that lamivudine treatment significantly reduced ferritin levels in chronic hepatitis B patients. When the patients were divided into different groups according to their post-treatment virological, serological and biochemical responses for analysis of the sequential changes of ferritin levels, it was found that the decrease of ferritin levels in HBV DNA-negative group was significantly more obvious than that in HBV DNA-positive group at 6 mo during the treatment (P = 0.013). Consecutive comparisons showed that ferritin levels at 3 mo of treatment were obviously decreased as compared with the baseline levels (P < 0.05) in HBeAg-negative group, and the decrease of serum ferritin levels in patients with normalized ALT was more significant than that in patients with abnormal ALT at the end of the 12-mo treatment (P = 0.048).
CONCLUSION: Lamivudine treatment can reduce the serum ferritin levels in chronic viral hepatitis B patients and decreases of ferritin levels can be more significant in patients exhibiting virological, serological and biochemical responses, indicating that dynamic observation of serum ferritin levels in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B during lamivudine treatment might be helpful for monitoring and predicting patients’ responses to the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Wen Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Craxì
- Cattedra di Gastroenterologia, Istituto di Clinica Medica 1, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Lebray P, Vallet-Pichard A, Michel ML, Fontaine H, Sobesky R, Bréchot C, Pol S. Immunomodulatory drugs and therapeutic vaccine in chronic hepatitis B infection. J Hepatol 2004; 39 Suppl 1:S151-9. [PMID: 14708695 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(03)00336-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Lebray
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, 75730 Paris Cédex 15, France
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Ormeci N. Short- and long-term effects of treatment of chronic hepatitis B and delta virus by IFN. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2003; 17:651-8. [PMID: 15015710 DOI: 10.1046/j.1472-8206.2003.00194.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a common infectious disease in the world. Two percent of the patients with chronic HBV infection will develop cirrhosis each year, and will die prematurely from cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. So far interferon alfa and lamivudine are the only effective drugs. Interferon alfa can be used at the dosage of 9-10 million units thrice a week for 4-6 months either intramuscularly or subcutaneously for standard treatment. Interferon provides sustained response in 1/3 of the patients when HBe Ag is (+). Response rate to interferon therapy in HBe Ag(-) patients was similar to that reported in HBe Ag(+) ones. However the responses were not sustained in many patients, serum HBV-DNA reappear in most after stopping the treatment. Extension of therapy to 1 year may be needed in patients who are unresponsive to therapy and having HBV-DNA levels <10 pg/ml and ALT >100 IU. Establishment of unresponsiveness in early phases of the therapy is important and careful follow up of serum HBe Ag may be helpful. Interferon alfa treatment of chronic HDV infection may result in temporary normalization of ALT values. Disappearance of HBV-DNA and HBs Ag from the serum upon completion of therapy dictates sustained response in chronic HDV infection. The long term effect of interferon with respect to virological and histopathological responses is poor in HDV infection and longer periods of therapy in higher doses may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Necati Ormeci
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey.
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Abdelhamed AM, Kelley CM, Miller TG, Furman PA, Cable EE, Isom HC. Comparison of anti-hepatitis B virus activities of lamivudine and clevudine by a quantitative assay. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003; 47:324-36. [PMID: 12499209 PMCID: PMC148955 DOI: 10.1128/aac.47.1.324-336.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we used a quantitative assay to measure the concentration-dependent effects of antivirals on extracellular hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA as well as on different cytoplasmic and nuclear forms of HBV DNA that participate in HBV replication. HBV recombinant baculovirus, which efficiently delivers the HBV genome to HepG2 cells, was used for this study because (i) antivirals can be administered prior to initiation of HBV infection or after HBV infection and (ii) sufficiently high HBV replication levels are achieved that HBV covalently closed circular (CCC) DNA can be easily detected and individual HBV DNA species can be quantitatively analyzed separately from total HBV DNA. The results showed that the levels of HBV replicative intermediate and extracellular DNA decreased in a concentration-dependent fashion following antiviral treatment. The 50% effective concentration (EC(50)) and EC(90) values and the Hill slopes differed for the different HBV DNA species analyzed. The data clearly indicated that (i) nuclear HBV DNAs are more resistant to antiviral therapy than cytoplasmic or extracellular HBV DNAs and (ii) nuclear HBV CCC DNA is more resistant than the nuclear relaxed circular form. This report presents the first in vitro comparison of the effects of two antivirals administered prior to initiation of HBV infection and the first thorough in vitro quantitative study of concentration-dependent antiviral effects on HBV CCC DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman M Abdelhamed
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, The Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, USA
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25
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EASL International Consensus Conference on Hepatitis B. 13-14 September, 2002 Geneva, Switzerland. Consensus statement (long version). J Hepatol 2003. [PMID: 14708673 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(03)00378-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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26
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Yang SS, Hsu CT, Hu JT, Lai YC, Wu CH. Lamivudine does not increase the efficacy of interferon in the treatment of mutant type chronic viral heaptitis B. World J Gastroenterol 2002; 8:868-71. [PMID: 12378632 PMCID: PMC4656577 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v8.i5.868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To study the role of lamivudine in improving the efficiency of interferon for the treatment of mutant type chronic hepatitis B.
METHODS: Fifteen patients with mutant type chronic hepatitis B were prospectively studied. All patients had liver histology and serology to prove the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B. Each patient received 4.5 millionunits of interferon alpha-2a thrice weekly and 100 mg of oral lamivudine daily for 24 wk. Patients were observed and tested for blood chemistry every week for the initial 4 wk and every 2 wk thereafter during the treatment until 24 wk. After the end of treatment, patients were followed up at 4-week intervals for an additional 6 mo. Serum HBV DNA levels were tested using the liquid phase molecular hybridization assay. Those with non-detectable HBV DNA were also tested using the real-time polymerase chain reaction. One patient, who did not finish treatment due to depression, was excluded.
RESULTS: At the end of treatment, 7 (50%) patients had serum ALT levels within normal limits; 12 (86%) patients had serum HBV DNA levels < 5 pg/mL using the liquid phase molecular hybridization assay, but only 8 (67%) were < 20 copies/dL using the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Six months after treatment, only two (14%) patients had a sustained complete response to the combination therapy with serum ALT level < 35 iu/L and undetectable serum HBV DNA levels.
CONCLUSION: These pilot data showed that lamivudine did not increase the efficacy of interferon in the treatment of mutant type chronic hepatitis B. The liquid phase molecular hybridization assay was not sensitive enough to detect the low HBV DNA levels during combined interferon and lamivudine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sien-Sing Yang
- Liver Unit, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, China.
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27
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Orlewska E. The cost-effectiveness of alternative therapeutic strategies for the management of chronic hepatitis B in Poland. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2002; 5:405-21. [PMID: 12201858 DOI: 10.1046/j.1524-4733.2002.55147.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of alternative therapeutic strategies for the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Poland. METHODS The model for the Polish health-care context was based on clinical data from the literature and local data on health-care resource utilization and unit costs. Costs and effects of a population of CHB patients were modeled using four scenarios, which attempt to reflect real-life practice in which patients may receive any of the treatment options available and in which a proportion of patients may still receive no treatment because therapy is not suitable. Strategies A and B assumed the availability of both treatment options: the first choice of treatment is in A, lamivudine, and in B, interferon alpha (IFN-alpha). In strategy C, the only approved treatment is IFN-alpha, and in strategy D, the patients receive no antiviral treatment. The outcome measures were HBeAg seroconversion and nonprogression to cirrhosis-the surrogate marker with predictive value for improved survival. Only direct medical costs were analyzed. The payer's perspective and time horizon of 1 year were adopted. One-way sensitivity analysis and extreme scenario analysis were performed. RESULTS The best results in terms of seroconversion and nonprogression to cirrhosis were achieved for strategy A, costs were lowest for strategy D, and strategies B and C were dominated by strategy A. The incremental cost/effectiveness ratio (ICER) comparing strategy A with strategy D was 57,855 Polish new zloty (PLN) per extra seroconversion and 79,550 PLN per cirrhosis case avoided. CONCLUSIONS Cirrhosis reduces estimated life expectancy by 37.76 years and by 20 years among 30- and 50-year-olds, respectively. The ICER for strategies A and D was 2105 PLN and 3978 PLN per life-years gained for the population at ages 30 and 50, respectively, and was below the suggested threshold for cost-effectiveness, based on treatment costs for 1 year of hemodialysis in Poland (62,400 PLN). Changing the value of key drivers for sensitivity analysis did not have a significant effect on the ICER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Orlewska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Kremowa 13, 02-969 Warsaw, Poland.
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28
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Abdelhamed AM, Kelley CM, Miller TG, Furman PA, Isom HC. Rebound of hepatitis B virus replication in HepG2 cells after cessation of antiviral treatment. J Virol 2002; 76:8148-60. [PMID: 12134020 PMCID: PMC155168 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.76.16.8148-8160.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of patients with lamivudine (3TC) results in loss of detectable levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA from serum; however, the relapse rate, with regard to both reappearance of virus in the bloodstream and hepatic inflammation, is high when therapy is terminated. Although the rebound observed in patients has also been seen in animal hepadnavirus models, rebound has not been analyzed in an in vitro cell culture system. In this study, we used the HBV recombinant baculovirus/HepG2 system to measure the time course of antiviral agent-mediated loss of HBV replication as well as the time course and magnitude of HBV production after release from antiviral treatment. Because of the sensitivity of the system, it was possible to measure secreted virions, intracellular replicative intermediates, and nuclear non-protein-bound HBV DNA and separately analyze individual species of DNA, such as single-stranded HBV DNA compared to the double-stranded form and relaxed circular compared to covalently closed circular HBV DNA. We first determined that HBV replication in the HBV recombinant baculovirus/HepG2 system could proceed for at least 35 days, with a 30-day plateau level of replication, making it possible to study antiviral agent-mediated loss of HBV followed by rebound after cessation of drug treatment. All HBV DNA species decreased in a time-dependent fashion following antiviral treatment, but the magnitude of decline differed for each HBV DNA species, with the covalently closed circular form of HBV DNA being the most resistant to drug therapy. When drug treatment ceased, HBV DNA species reappeared with a pattern that recapitulated the initiation of replication, but with a different time course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman M Abdelhamed
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, The Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, Hershey 17033, USA
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29
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Abstract
Despite the availability of an efficient vaccine, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health problem worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that there are still 350 million chronic carriers of the virus who are at risk of developing chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Antiviral therapy consists of the administration of either interferon-alpha (IFN alpha) or lamivudine. In the elderly, specific issues should be addressed. Because of the long duration of viral infection, screening for HCC is warranted in these patients, as new therapeutic options are being developed. Antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B is indicated in patients with elevated transaminases, the presence of HBV replication, and inflammatory activity on liver histology analysis, providing the patient has no other serious health problem impacting on life expectancy. Since IFN alpha therapy may cause many general adverse effects, lamivudine may be the best current treatment option in this patient population. The pharmacokinetics of lamivudine in the elderly are slightly different from those in younger adults but this does not require dose adjustment, except in the presence of renal function impairment. However, the beneficial effects of lamivudine therapy must be weighed against the selection of drug-resistant mutants. New therapeutic strategies are now under evaluation and may be available in the future for the elderly population. Besides mass HBV vaccination programmes, people sharing a house with patients infected with HBV should be vaccinated to prevent viral transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Merle
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Virus des Hépatites et Pathologies Associées, Lyon, France
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30
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has a world-wide distribution, and may lead to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therapeutic strategies for HBV cirrhosis are changing rapidly. Treatment with interferon (IFN)-alpha may be hazardous and often can only be administered at low doses. The availability of lamivudine has revolutionized the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and opened up new options for the management of patients with decompensated cirrhosis or recurrent hepatitis B post-liver transplantation. However, lamivudine therapy should be weighed against the risk of selection of resistant mutants and randomized control trials are needed. Hopefully, in the near future, new antiviral drugs such as adefovir dipivoxil which is active on lamivudine-resistant mutants will become available. IFN-alpha is still the only molecule which may prevent HBV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in humans. Whether other antivirals will also prove useful warrants further follow-up studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Merle
- Hepato-Gastroenterology Department, Hotel-Dieu Hospital, and Hepatitis Research Unit, INSERM U271, Lyon, France
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31
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Zhang X, Han Y, Lu Z, Gao J, Luo Z, Zhang D. Effect of multiple mutations in the core promoter and pre-core/core region of hepatitis B virus genome on the response to interferon in e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2001; 16:393-8. [PMID: 11354277 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2001.02451.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomic mutations may be one of the factors that influence the efficacy of interferon (IFN) therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mutations in different parts of the HBV genome on IFN therapy. METHODS We studied the baseline clinical, biochemical, serologic and virologic parameters in 17 patients with e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B. The DNA sequence of the X gene and pre-core/core gene in serum samples of these patients was analyzed before the initiation of IFN therapy. RESULTS All five patients with the T1762-A1764 mutation were IFN responsive, while among the 12 remaining patients, only two responded to therapy. Among five patients with both a pre-core A1896 mutation and a mutation in the epitope aa 107-118 of the core region, four were non-responders whereas the fifth responded to therapy. In three other patients with A1896 mutations, one with simultaneous mutations in five lymphocytic epitopes did not respond to therapy; the two remaining patients with concomitant mutations in one or two epitopes were responsive. Serum HBV-DNA levels were lower and titers of antibody to hepatitis B virus core antigen-immunoglobin M (anti-HBc-IgM) were higher in the responders than in the non-responders. Hepatitis B virus genotypes B and C were found to be in all these Chinese patients. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that HBV genomic mutations, serum viral loads and titers of anti-HBc-IgM might be predictive of the efficacy of IFN therapy. These clinical findings should be further investigated by in vivo and in vitro experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Zhang
- Research Unit of Clinical Virology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University, People's Republic of China.
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32
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic hepatitis B is an international health concern that causes cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure, and death. Current treatment options are expensive and associated with side effects; however, indirect evidence suggests a relationship between relative thiamine deficiency and chronic hepatitis B infection. METHODS The authors present three case studies wherein multiple crossovers of daily thiamine administration were used to evaluate a hypothesized association between thiamine treatment and aminotransferase levels. RESULTS In each case study, thiamine administration was associated with reduction in aminotransferase levels and the fall of HBV DNA to undetectable levels. Analyses by t test demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in aminotransferase levels in all three cases. CONCLUSIONS The relationship between thiamine administration and chronic hepatitis B infection warrants further study. If proven effective in reducing liver damage or inducing remission of the hepatitis B virus in larger trials, thiamine will offer obvious advantages over the current treatments for chronic viral hepatitis B infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Wallace
- Department of Psychiatry and Community and Family Medicine, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
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33
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Affiliation(s)
- E Christensen
- Clinic of Internal Medicine 1, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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34
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Crowley SJ, Tognarini D, Desmond PV, Lees M. Cost-effectiveness analysis of lamivudine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2000; 17:409-27. [PMID: 10977384 DOI: 10.2165/00019053-200017050-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the short term and long term cost effectiveness, from a healthcare perspective, associated with the introduction of lamivudine for chronic hepatitis B. DESIGN The analysis used a 2-step modelling approach. A decision tree was used to estimate clinical outcomes and costs after 1 year. The 1-year results were then extrapolated to 70 years using a Markov model. PATIENTS The study population comprised hypothetical cohorts of patients with chronic hepatitis B, representative of those likely to receive treatment in clinical practice in Australia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AND RESULTS In the short term, more patients sero-converted when lamivudine was available, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 3341 Australian dollars ($A) per additional seroconversion. In the long term, the introduction of lamivudine increased life expectancy by 3.9 years [3.2 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs)] compared with when interferon-alpha was the only treatment, or 4.6 years (3.8 QALYs) compared with no treatment. There were reductions in lifetime risk of developing compensated cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma of 5, 11 and 11%, respectively, when lamivudine was available. The incremental cost of having lamivudine available, as opposed to interferon-alpha only, was $A633 per year of life saved or $A735 per QALY. CONCLUSION The introduction of lamivudine is expected to reduce and delay the progression of chronic hepatitis B, increasing the life expectancy and quality of life of patients for a small overall increase in healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Crowley
- Glaxo Wellcome Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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35
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Abstract
Approximately 5% of the world's human population have an increased risk for developing liver cancer and cirrhosis as a direct consequence of chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Antiviral chemotherapy remains the only option for controlling infection in these individuals, for whom the current licensed hepatitis B vaccines provide no benefit. Interferon (IFN)-alpha has proven benefit in a well-defined group of those with hepatitis B but has made little impact on the global burden of chronic liver disease. The development of more effective chemotherapy for treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection has proven to be extremely challenging, the result of both virus- and host-dependent factors, which will be reviewed in this article. Past attempts to treat chronic hepatitis B infection using nucleoside analogues were disappointing, but more recently, several nucleoside (or nucleotide) analogues have been identified that are potent and selective inhibitors of HBV replication. These agents fall into two broad categories: (1) nucleoside/nucleotides that have modified sugar residues in either cyclic or acyclic configurations and (2) stereoisomers of nucleosides in the "unnatural" L-configuration. Of the analogues that have been used clinically, representatives of the first category are purine derivatives, e.g., adefovir dipivoxil and famciclovir, whereas representatives of the second category are pyrimidine derivatives, such as lamivudine.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Torresi
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, North Melbourne, Australia
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36
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Di Marco V, Lo Iacono O, Cammà C, Vaccaro A, Giunta M, Martorana G, Fuschi P, Almasio PL, Craxì A. The long-term course of chronic hepatitis B. Hepatology 1999; 30:257-64. [PMID: 10385664 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510300109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcome in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients according to HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis D virus (HDV) replication, focusing on survival, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A cohort of 302 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive subjects (mean age, 34 +/- 15.3 years; male/female 214/88; 39 subjects under 14 years) with biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis (86 with cirrhosis) was prospectively assessed, with a median follow-up of 94 +/- 37.6 months. One hundred nine patients received interferon alfa (IFN). At baseline, 86 subjects (28.5%) were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive (wild-type HBV), 80 (26.5%) were HBeAg-negative, HBV-DNA-positive, 76 (25.2%) had HDV infection, 43 (14.2%) had dual HBV/HCV infection, and 17 (5.6%) were negative for HBV-DNA, anti-HCV, and anti-HDV. During follow-up, decompensation of disease occurred in 46 subjects: 8 developed HCC, 36 developed ascites, and 2 developed jaundice. Five patients underwent transplantation. Thirty-five subjects died: 33 of hepatic and 2 of nonhepatic causes. Overall mortality was 5.2-fold that of the general population (95% CI: 3.6-7.3; 35 deaths observed, 6.7 expected; P <.0001). By Cox regression analysis, survival was independently predicted by young age, absence of cirrhosis at baseline, and sustained normalization of aminotransferases during follow-up. Survival without decompensation was independently predicted by the same factors and by IFN treatment. Chronic hepatitis B infection increases mortality in comparison with the general population in our area regardless of specific virological profiles at presentation. Presence of cirrhosis and persistent necroinflammation markedly increase the risk of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Di Marco
- Cattedra di Medicina Interna, Istituto di Clinica Medica I, Università di Palermo, Italy
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37
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Lerut JP, Donataccio M, Ciccarelli O, Roggen F, Jamart J, Laterre PF, Cornu C, Mazza D, Hanique G, Rahier J, Geubel AP, Otte JB. Liver transplantation and HBsAg-positive postnecrotic cirrhosis: adequate immunoprophylaxis and delta virus co-infection as the significant determinants of long-term prognosis. J Hepatol 1999; 30:706-14. [PMID: 10207814 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(99)80203-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The place of liver transplantation in hepatitis B viral (HBV)-related diseases remains controversial because of the high rate of reinfection. The aim of this study was to define the determinants of long-term prognosis after transplantation. METHODS Fifty-eight patients were transplanted during the period February 1984-September 1996. Six patients died during the early (< 3 months) posttransplant period from causes unrelated to HBV infection. All 52 long-term (> 3 months) survivors were evaluated in relation to the mode of presentation, viral replication at time of transplantation, absence of hepatocellular cancer at time of transplantation and use of adequate immunoprophylaxis (IP). Adequate immunoprophylaxis, defined as maintenance of anti-HBs levels over 100 mUI/ml, was introduced in December 1989. Intention-to-treat IP analysis compared patients transplanted before and after this date. The median follow-up was 74 months (range 4 to 131). Forty-seven patients (90%) had a minimal follow-up of 3 years. RESULTS Five-year actuarial survival rates of 58 patients and of 52 long-term survivors were 72 +/- 6% and 80 +/- 6%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that delta co-infection (n = 25) significantly improved survival (p < 0.001) [96 +/- 4% vs 63 +/- 10% in HBV patients (n = 27) at 5 years] as did absence of hepatocellular cancer (n = 36) (p = 0.020) [89 +/- 5% vs 61 +/- 12% in 16 non-cancer patients]. IP, however, significantly influenced 5-year survival in the HBV-patient group (n = 17) (p = 0.001) [85 +/- 10% vs 30 +/- 14% in 10 patients without IP). Multivariate analysis selected delta co-infection (p = 0.002) and IP (p = 0.01) as the significant determinants of prognosis independently influencing survival. Uni- and multivariate analyses showed that survival without reinfection was significantly influenced by IP (p = 0.002) [73 +/- 8% (n = 31) versus 33 +/- 12% in 15 non-treated patients). CONCLUSIONS Delta virus co-infection and immunoprophylaxis are the most important prognostic factors after transplantation for postnecrotic HBsAg-positive cirrhosis. Transplantation can be proposed as a therapeutic tool only if life-long adequate adjuvant therapy can be achieved. Under this condition good results can even be obtained if there is viral replication at the time of transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Lerut
- Department of Digestive Surgery, St-Luc University Hospital, Catholic University of Louvain Medical School, Brussels, Belgium
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38
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Benvegnù L, Chemello L, Noventa F, Fattovich G, Pontisso P, Alberti A. Retrospective analysis of the effect of interferon therapy on the clinical outcome of patients with viral cirrhosis. Cancer 1998; 83:901-9. [PMID: 9731893 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0142(19980901)83:5<901::aid-cncr15>3.0.co;2-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent data suggest that interferon therapy (IFN) can reduce the risk of progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis. METHODS A cohort of 189 patients with Child's Stage A cirrhosis of viral etiology followed prospectively were analyzed retrospectively to assess the effects of IFN on the clinical course and development of HCC. RESULTS During a mean follow-up of 71.5+/-23.6 months, 7.9% of 88 treated and 21.8% of 101 untreated patients showed worsening of the Child's disease stage (P < 0.01); 5.6% of treated and 26.7% of untreated patients developed HCC (P < 0.001); and 3.4% of treated and 19.8% of untreated patients died of liver disease or underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) (P < 0.005). Using Cox's regression analysis, no treatment with IFN, high bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, and low leukocyte counts and prothrombin activity (PT) were associated significantly with worsening of Child's disease stage; no treatment with IFN, long term disease, low albumin and PT, and high gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) were related significantly to HCC development; and no treatment with IFN, low albumin and PT, and high GGT and ALP were associated significantly with reduced survival. After adjustment for independent risk factors identified by multivariate analysis, the estimated cumulative probability of worsening of cirrhosis (P < 0.05), development of HCC (P < 0.001), and death or OLT (P < 0.005) was significantly lower in IFN-treated patients compared with untreated patients. This beneficial effect of therapy was statistically evident only in HCV positive patients. CONCLUSIONS These results support the hypothesis that IFN improves clinical outcomes and reduces progression to HCC in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis. These conclusions, based on retrospective data, should be confirmed prospective.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Benvegnù
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padova, Italy
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39
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Lobello S, Lorenzoni U, Vian A, Floreani A, Brunetto MR, Chiaramonte M. Interferon treatment in hepatitis B surface antigen-positive hepatitis B e antibody-positive chronic hepatitis B: role of hepatitis B core antibody IgM titre in patient selection and treatment monitoring. J Viral Hepat 1998; 5:61-6. [PMID: 9493518 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2893.1998.00083.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B infection with the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative variant is associated with a severe clinical course and a low response rate to interferon (IFN). In an attempt to improve the chances of sustained response to interferon we designed a pilot study, using titres of IgM antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb IgM) to guide treatment initiation. Eighteen adults who were HBeAg-negative with biopsy-proven chronic active hepatitis (seven with cirrhosis) entered the study. They were followed-up bimonthly with routine liver function tests, and HBcAb IgM titres were also determined. Treatment (lymphoblastoid IFN 5 million units (MU) m(-2) three times weekly for 6 months) was started when the HBcAb IgM titre was increasing. Fifteen (83.3%) patients had normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and undetectable HBV DNA at the end of treatment. HBcAb IgM decreased in all responders. We observed a relapse in four patients (three with cirrhosis), in the first year after treatment, with an increase in ALT, HBV DNA and titre of HBcAb IgM. Eleven patients (61.1%) had a sustained response and eight of these 11 patients were followed-up for more than 18 months; two responders cleared hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Hence, the rate of sustained response to IFN in HBeAb-positive patients with chronic hepatitis is improved if treatment is started when HBcAb IgM levels are increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lobello
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy
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Paul C, Thomas M. Screening for hepatitis B carriers: a perspective from New Zealand. AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 1997; 27:698-705. [PMID: 9483239 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.1997.tb01001.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C Paul
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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41
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Nicoll A, Locarnini S. Review: Present and future directions in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1997; 12:843-54. [PMID: 9504896 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.1997.tb00382.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The last decade has witnessed substantial progress in the development of chemotherapeutic agents for chronic hepatitis B. However, the only currently licensed treatment in Australia, interferon-alpha, has low initial response rates and the adverse effects are often unacceptable. Of the newer agents in the class of nucleoside analogues, famciclovir and lamivudine are in phase III clinical trials with encouraging preliminary results, while other agents, such as bis-POM PMEA (Adefovir), are at phase I/II development. Future approaches to therapy will be governed by an understanding of the effects of nucleoside analogues on the natural history of the disease as well as on the hepatitis B virus hepatocyte interaction. Combination antiviral therapy should theoretically offer improved response rates, decrease the development of viral resistance, and provide the greatest reduction in viral load, but it has not yet been widely examined in the clinical setting. In this article, we review the currently available strategies, discuss potential problem areas, and speculate on promising approaches with combination chemotherapy and the features of agents soon to be trialed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nicoll
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Fairfield Hospital, Victoria, Australia
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42
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Usuda S, Okamoto H, Ohnuma H, Tanaka T, Machida A, Miyakawa Y, Mayumi M. A monoclonal antibody against a hepatitis B e antigen epitope borne by six amino acids encoded by the precore region. J Virol Methods 1997; 68:207-15. [PMID: 9389411 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-0934(97)00125-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) polypeptide in the circulation (p17e) is composed of ten amino acids (aa) coded for by the precore region and 149 aa by the core gene of hepatitis B virus. A monoclonal antibody (Y0583A) was raised against the N-terminal ten amino acids (SKLCLGWLWG) encoded by the precore region. The binding of Y0583A with a panel of 203 decapeptides on multipins, which covered the precursor of HBeAg polypeptide made of 212 aa shifting by one aa, recognized an epitope sequenced LGWLWG representing the C-terminal six aa coded for by the precore region. This HBeAg epitope was not readily accessible on HBeAg in serum, but it became exposed and bound with Y0583A by treatment with 0.2 N NaOH. Using Y0583A, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed for specific determination of HBeAg. The test sample was incubated with the monoclonal antibody to an HBeAg determinant encoded by the core gene (904) that had been immobilized on a solid support. Captured HBeAg was treated with 0.2 N NaOH, neutralized and released into the fluid phase. The reactant was then tested for a sandwich between monoclonal antibody (C33) to the C-terminus of the HBeAg polypeptide immobilized on a solid support and Y0583A labeled with horseradish peroxidase.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Usuda
- Immunology Division, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi-Ken, Japan
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43
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Kako M, Kanai K, Aikawa T, Iwabuchi S, Takehira Y, Kawasaki T, Tsubouchi H, Hino K, Tsuda F, Okamoto H, Miyakawa Y, Mayumi M. Response to interferon-alpha 2a in patients with e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B. J Clin Gastroenterol 1997; 25:440-5. [PMID: 9412946 DOI: 10.1097/00004836-199709000-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Sixty-eight consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B received 702 million units of recombinant interferon-alpha 2a. Of the 24 patients negative for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in serum, the normalization of serum transaminase occurred in 14 (58%) at the completion of interferon therapy and in 13 (54%) at 12 months thereafter; it was normalized in 17 (39%) and 13 (30%), respectively, of the 44 HBeAg-positive patients. Of the HBeAg-negative patients, hepatitis B virus DNA was cleared from serum in six (25%) at the completion and in one (4%) at 12 months thereafter, in contrast to only one (2%, p < 0.05) and none of the HBeAg-positive patients, respectively. The 1896th nucleotide of G (G1896) for codon 28 for tryptophan or A (A1896) for the stop codon 28 in the precore region was determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism. The ten HBeAg-negative patients with A1896 only in the precore region had lower pretreatment levels of viral markers, which decreased more rapidly and extensively after interferon than in the 14 HBeAg-negative patients with a mixture of G1896 and A1896 or in the 44 HBeAg-positive patients. These results indicate that patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B may respond better to interferon than HBeAg-positive patients, and that the precore mutant with the stop codon 28 may be sensitive to interferon.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kako
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Teikyo University Hospital at Mizonokuchi, Japan
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44
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Hasan F, Al Khalidi J, Abu-Tahoon S, Al-Shamali M, Al-Asfoor M, Al-Nakib B. Alfa-interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Kuwaiti patients. Ann Saudi Med 1997; 17:279-82. [PMID: 17369722 DOI: 10.5144/0256-4947.1997.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alfa-interferon is the standard treatment of chronic hepatitis B. However, the response rate varies widely in patients from different parts of the world, reflecting differences in the natural history of the disease and the immune reactivity of the population studied. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of alfa-interferon in the treatment of Kuwaiti patients with chronic replicative hepatitis B infection. Twenty-two adult Kuwaiti patients with biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis B were treated with alfa-interferon after an observation period of six months. All patients had abnormal transaminase levels and were HBeAg and HBV-DNA positive. Alfa-interferon-2b, 5 million units, was administered five days a week for 16 weeks. Patients were followed for at least 12 months after completing therapy. One of the 22 patients dropped out of the study after a single dose of interferon, because of side effects. Of the remaining 21 patients, three (14%) had a sustained loss of HBV-DNA and HBeAg. None of the patients lost HBsAg. There were no episodes of hepatic decompensation or deaths during the study. One patient developed hepatocellular carcinoma 28 months after completing treatment with interferon. Overall, Kuwaiti patients with chronic replicative hepatitis B responded poorly to interferon therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Hasan
- Thunayan Al-Ghanim Gastroenterology and Hepatology Center, and Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital, Kuwait
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45
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Liberati A, Sheldon TA, Banta HD. EUR-ASSESS Project Subgroup report on Methodology. Methodological guidance for the conduct of health technology assessment. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 1997; 13:186-219. [PMID: 9194352 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462300010369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Health technology assessment (HTA) is primarily concerned with the consequences (benefits and costs) of health care and health policy decisions. Because decision making is complex and outcomes are often uncertain, it is helpful to attempt to assess the consequences. The quality of decisions can be improved by a process that provides a consistent framework for identifying and assessing health technologies.
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Krogsgaard K, Christensen E, Bindslev N, Schalm S, Andersen PK, Ring-Larsen H. Relation between treatment efficacy and cumulative dose of alpha interferon in chronic hepatitis B. European Concerted Action on Viral Hepatitis (Eurohep). J Hepatol 1996; 25:795-802. [PMID: 9007705 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(96)80281-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Alpha interferon (IFN) is an established treatment of chronic hepatitis B. The effect has been shown to be dose related, recommended dose regimens being associated with a doubling of the spontaneous, baseline HBeAg to anti-HBe seroconversion rate. However, the efficacy of IFN treatment in relation to the dose of IFN actually received remains to be established. The aim of this study was to estimate the relative efficacy of IFN as a function of the cumulative IFN dose. In addition we determined if and when a patient returns to his baseline chance of seroconversion after stopping IFN therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Individual patient data from 10 clinical controlled trials were available for the present analysis, in all, 746 patients, of whom 491 received IFN and 255 were untreated controls. The data were analyzed performing a time-dependent Cox regression analysis of the relative efficacy of IFN using the cumulative IFN dose administered up to any given time during the observation period and the time after termination of therapy as explanatory variables. RESULTS In the proposed model, the chance of HBeAg disappearance for a treated patient relative to no therapy was estimated to 2.1 at a cumulative dose of 100 MU and leveled out at about 2.8 at a cumulative dose of 500 MU. The effect of IFN was shown to decay rapidly after discontinuation and after 3 months a patient could be considered to be back to his baseline chance of HBeAg disappearance. These findings show that IFN administered at a dose of 15-30 MU/week should be considered effective (relative efficacy approximately 2) already after 1-2 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS The present findings do not lend any support to the concept that IFN treatment becomes less effective when a certain total dose of IFN has been administered or that the treatment effect reaches beyond 3 months after stopping IFN.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Krogsgaard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Niederau C, Heintges T, Lange S, Goldmann G, Niederau CM, Mohr L, Häussinger D. Long-term follow-up of HBeAg-positive patients treated with interferon alfa for chronic hepatitis B. N Engl J Med 1996; 334:1422-7. [PMID: 8618580 DOI: 10.1056/nejm199605303342202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 608] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with chronic hepatitis B, treatment with interferon alfa and the consequent loss of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) from the blood leads to a reduction in inflammatory activity, but the clinical benefits of this treatment have not been established. We evaluated whether HBeAg seroconversion induced by interferon alfa improves clinical outcome. METHODS We studied prospectively a cohort of 103 patients treated with interferon alfa for chronic hepatitis B; the mean (+/- SD) follow-up was 50.0 +/- 19.8 months. Fifty-three untreated patients served as controls. RESULTS After treatment with interferon alfa, 53 of 103 patients no longer had detectable HBeAg or hepatitis B virus DNA, although only 10 patients became seronegative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (Kaplan-Meier estimates of cumulative clearance rates at five years, 56.0 percent for HBeAg and 11.6 percent for HBsAg). Of the 53 untreated patients, only 7 spontaneously eliminated HBeAg (28.1 percent at five years), and all remained positive for HBsAg (p < 0.001 for the Comparison with the treated patients, by the proportional-hazards model). During follow-up, 6 of the 103 treated patients died of liver failure, and 2 needed liver transplantation, all 8 were persistently positive for HBeAg. In another eight treated patients, complications of cirrhosis developed; all but one of these patients remained positive for HBeAg. Overall survival and survival without clinical complications were significantly longer in patients who were seronegative for HBeAg after therapy with interferon alfa than in those who remained seropositive (P = 0.004 and P = 0.018, respectively). In a regression analysis, clearance of HBeAg was the strongest predictor of survival. Of the 53 untreated patients, 13 had severe complications (including 4 deaths and 1 need for liver transplantation); all 13 continued to be HBeAg-positive. CONCLUSIONS In patients with chronic hepatitis B infection, the clearance of HBeAg after treatment with interferon alfa is associated with improved clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Niederau
- Department of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
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48
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Gøtzsche PC, Liberati A, Torri V, Rossetti L. Beware of surrogate outcome measures. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 1996; 12:238-46. [PMID: 8707497 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462300009594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Surrogate outcome measures may speed up clinical research if they can be measured earlier in a study than the primary outcome of interest. We review the justification for their use and conclude that reliance on them may be harmful. Results obtained with surrogates should therefore be regarded as preliminary. Large, definitive trials with clinically relevant outcomes should always be performed before new interventions are accepted.
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Affiliation(s)
- P C Gøtzsche
- Nordic Cochrane Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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49
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Aikawa T, Kanai K, Kako M, Kawasaki T, Hino K, Iwabuchi S, Tsubouchi H, Takehira Y, Tsuda F, Okamoto H. Interferon-alpha 2a for chronic hepatitis B with e antigen or antibody:comparable antiviral effects on wild-type virus and precore mutant. J Viral Hepat 1995; 2:243-50. [PMID: 8745316 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.1995.tb00036.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant interferon-alpha 2a (IFN-alpha 2a) in a total dose of 702 MU was given to 31 patients: nine with wild-type hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) (A); four with HBeAg and a mixed infection with wild-type HB and precore mutants (B); 11 with antibody to HBeAg (HBeAb) and a mixed infection (C); and seven with HBeAb and precore mutants alone (D). HBV DNA was not cleared in any patient in groups A and B. By contrast, in patients with HBeAb, HBV DNA was ultimately lost in four patients in group C, as well as in 10 patients in group D. Thus, patients with HBeAb and infected with precore mutants alone (D) lost serum HBV DNA more often than those with HBeAg and wild-type HBV (A). Patients with low pretreatment levels of HBV DNA cleared virus more frequently, and the response of precore mutant to IFN was comparable with that of wild-type HBV in patients who had a mixed infection. Based on these results, precore mutants do respond to IFN, and therefore, IFN is indicated in patients with HBeAb, especially those with low serum HBV DNA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Aikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Toshiba General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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50
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Viscomi GC, Grimaldi M, Palazzini E, Silvestri S. Human leukocyte interferon alpha: structure, pharmacology, and therapeutic applications. Med Res Rev 1995; 15:445-78. [PMID: 8531504 DOI: 10.1002/med.2610150504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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