Short-term efficacy of telbivudine on patients with chronic hepatitis B:a report of 57 cases

Objective:To investigate the short-term efficacy of telbivudine on patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB). Methods:Fifty-seven patients with CHB were included and assigned into HBeAg(+)group (n=12) and HBeAg(-)group (n=45). Both groups were treated with telbivudine 600 mg/d for 24 weeks. ALT and HBV DNA levels were measured on week 0,4,8,12,16 and 24,and HBeAg and HBeAb were tested on week 0,12 and 24. The early responses rate to telbivudine therapy in both groups were assessed and compared. Furthermore,the affecting factors were analyzed. Results:The HBV DNA loss rate in HBeAg(-) group on week 4,8,12,16 and 24 were 25%,42%,50%,67% and 75%,respectively,while the ALT normalization rate on week 24 was 83%. The HBV DNA loss rate in HBeAg(+) group on week 4,8,12,16 and 24 were 0%,7%,13%,27% and 53%,respectively. The HBeAg seroconversion rate and ALT loss rate in HBeAg(+) group on week 24 were 27% and 76%. HBV DNA copies in both groups decreased rapidly in first 4 weeks,then slowed down,and kept at a lower level. The patients with HBV DNA loss showed significantly lower level of HBV DNA in baseline than the others(P0.05). Conclusion:For patients with CHB,telbivudine could inhibit HBV DNA reproduction in the early stage (4～8 weeks after treatment). Baseline HBV DNA level is an important factor affecting the early response to telbivudine.