Lamivudine therapy for chronic hepatitis B in children: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no consensus on the effects and safety of lamivudine therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in children. METHOD: Both English and Chinese databases were searched comprehensively. An odds ratio (OR) and a standard mean difference (SMD) were used to assess the effects and safety of lamivudine therapy for CHB in children. RESULTS: Thirteen eligible studies were included in our analysis. The rates of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) response, biochemical response, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) loss, HBeAg seroconversion, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss were significantly higher in the lamivudine (LAM) therapy group than in the control group. The changes in children's weight and height were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: LAM therapy was efficacious for CHB in children. Additionally, it had no side effect on children's height and weight.