Effect of lamivudine on the treatment of children with chronic hepatitis B

Objectvie To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lamivudine therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B.Methods 193 children with chronic hepatitis B were divided into two groups randomly.The 102 cases in the treatment group were treated with lamivudine 3mg/kg(maximum 100mg/d) and 93 cases in the control group with common liver protection treatment.All patients had been treated for 52 weeks.Liver function,HBV serology,HBV DNA,height,weight,and side-effects were detected.Results Higher percentage of HBeAg/ HBeAb conversation and HBV-DNA clearance in lamivudine group was achieved than the control group after 52 weeks' therapy.The percentages of ALT activity normalization after 12 weeks',24 weeks' and 52 weeks' therapy were 50.0%,57.8% and 66.7% respectively,which were higher than the control.The changes of the patients' weight and height were not different from the control group.Conclusion Lamivudine therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B is safe and with higher biochemical and virological response.