HBV DNA level as an important determinant of E antigen seroconversion of chronic hepatitis B during adefovir dipivoxil therapy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS:

Adefovir dipivoxil treatment leads to higher HBeAg seroconversion rates than placebo. The study was to evaluate which clinical or virological variables correlate with endpoints (e.g. HBeAg seroconversion and HBV DNA <10(5) copies/mL) during Adefovir dipivoxil or placebo therapy.

METHODOLOGY:

Fifty-two patients were enrolled with 33 in the ADV group and 19 in the placebo group. The correlation between clinical/virological variables and endpoints was evaluated by logistic regression as well as stratified analyses using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS:

After one year of treatment, HBeAg seroconversion was associated with low pre-treatment HBV DNA levels. HBeAg seroconversion rates categorized by pre-treatment HBV DNA levels were distinct in the placebo group (<10(7) vs. >10(7) copies/mL, P=0.037) and in the ADV group (<10(8) vs. >10(8) copies/mL, P=0.039). In addition, HBV DNA levels reductions at week 4, week 8 and week 12 were associated with higher rates of HBeAg seroconversion.

CONCLUSIONS:

Low pre-treatment HBV DNA level is predictive of HBeAg seroconversion in patients treated with Adefovir dipivoxil or placebo. Adefovir dipivoxil may provide additional benefits for HBeAg seroconversion in patients with pre-treatment HBV DNA levels between 10(7) and 10(8) copies/mL. Profound early HBV DNA reduction may contribute to HBeAg seroconversion.

• Authors: Kuo-Chih Tseng, Pin-Nan Cheng, I-Chin Wu, Chin-Kuo Chang, An-Liang Chou, Wen-Chun Liu, Ting-Tsung Chang
• Journal: Hepato-gastroenterology (Hepatogastroenterology) 2009 May-Jun Vol. 56 Issue 91-92 Pg. 813-8 ISSN: 0172-6390 [Print] Greece
• PMID: 19621708 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Phase III, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• DNA, Viral
• Hepatitis B e Antigens
• Organophosphonates
• Adenine
• adefovir dipivoxil

Topics

• Adenine (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• DNA, Viral (blood)
• Female
• Hepatitis B e Antigens (blood)
• Hepatitis B virus
• Hepatitis B, Chronic (blood, drug therapy, immunology)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Organophosphonates (therapeutic use)
• Predictive Value of Tests
• Retrospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome
• Viral Load
• Young Adult