Clinical observation about entecavir in treating decompensated cirrhosis due to hepatitis B at initial stage

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of entecavir in treating decompensated cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis B.Methods:Sixty-eight patients with decompensated cirrhosis of hepatitis B virus infection were randomly divided treatment group (36 cases) and control group (32 cases),which were matched for liver function,Child-Pugh score,and reductions of serum HBV DNA from baseline (copies/ml) at week 24.Treatment group were treated with entecavir 0.5 mg orally once daily,and supportive treatment.Results:There were significant difference in liver function,Child-Pugh score,and reductions of serum HBV DNA from baseline (copies/ml) at week 24 between the two groups.Conclusion:Entecavir therapy can result in a significant improvement of liver function and the prolonging of survival time in patients with decompensated HBV cirrhosis,and can decrease serum HBV DNA effectively.