Efficacy of entecavir in patients with hepatitis B virus-related decompensated cirrhosis

Objective To investigate the effects of 96-week entecavir(ETV) therapy on viral suppression and hepatic function in patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related decompensated cirrhosis.Methods Thirty-six patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis took ETV 0.5 mg/d orally for 96 weeks.Supportive and symptomatic treatments were given if necessary.The changes were observed at the 12,24,48 and 96 weeks,including virological and biochemical indicators,PTA and Child-Pugh score.Results Clinical index improved significantly after treatment and no severe adverse reactions appeared in 32 cases.Total bilirubin once increased in two patients,and finally restored through therapy.One case died from alimentary tract hemorrhage and another case died from hepatocellular carcinoma.The 12,24,48 and 96 weeks cumulative rates of HBV DNA negativity were 37.14%(13/35),68.57%(24/35),88.24%(30/34) and 91.18%(31/34),respectively.The baseline,12,24,48 and 96 weeks Child-Pugh score were 10.0±1.9,8.7±1.8,7.6±1.8,6.4±1.1 and 6.4±1.1,respectively.Conclusions Entecavir can inhibit the replication of HBV in decompensated cirrhosis resulting from chronic hepatitis B,reduce the level of HBV DNA,improve the liver function,and decrease the Child-Pugh score.