Predictors of efficacy of telbivudine treatment for patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B

Objective To investigate the curative effect predictors of HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients treated with telbivudine and to provide evidence for individualized treatment.Methods Sixty patients administered with telbivudine for 48 weeks,serum HBsAg levels,HBeAg levels,HBV DNA levels and ALT levels were assessed before treatment and 24,48 weeks after treatment.They were devided into two groups according to their serum HBV DNA levels at week 24:PCR-undetectable group A(300 copies/ml)and group B,≥(300 copies/ml).Results The lower the HBV DNA level and HBsAg levels achieved at week 24,the higher HBV DNA non-detectable by PCR,ALT normalization and HBeAg seroconversion at week 48.The HBeAg seroconversion at 48 week was 44.1% in group A,and 8.3% in group B,there was significant differences(χ2=22.1,P0.01).Conclusion The degree of suppression of HBV at week 24 may be as a predictor of 48 weeks outcome for patients with hepatitis B treated with telbivudine.