Lamivudine treatment of chronic hepatitis B

HIV and hepatitis virus infection

“…It remains to be seen whether the positive effect of lamivudine will be durable or whether maintenance lamivudine therapy will be required. Dosages of 100 mg of lamivudine per day have resulted in sustained HBeAg seroconversion rates of 27% and histologic improvement rates of up to 50% after 2 years of therapy in immunocompetent patients, but mutations in the YMDD motif of the viral polymerase gene, leading to antiviral resistance, develop in up to one third of patients [25]. These mutations do not seem to confer cross-resistance to other antiviral agents [26].…”

Nutritional hyperhomocysteinaemia

“…Overall only 30-40% of white adults have a sustained response to interferon therapy. 1 Similar response rates can be achieved in Asian patients, but only if the patients are carefully selected on evidence of continuing viral replication and liver damage. [2][3][4] Antiviral agents are therefore being investigated as possible alternative treatment options.…”

Treatment options for chronic hepatitis

“…Overall only 30-40% of white adults have a sustained response to interferon therapy 1. Similar response rates can be achieved in Asian patients, but only if the patients are carefully selected on evidence of continuing viral replication and liver damage 2 – 4.…”