Comparison of efficacy and safety between entecavir versus adefovir dipivoxil in the treatment of HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of entecavir versus adefovir dipivoxil in the treatment of HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods Ninety-six cases with HBeAg positive CHB were divided into ETV group and ADV group according to different medication.In addition to conventional treatment, ETV group received entecavir 0.5 mg/d, ADV group received adefovir dipivoxil 10 mg/d.HBV DNA negative conversion rate, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) recurrence rate and HBeAg negative conversion rate in 24 weeks, 48 weeks and 96 weeks were compared as well as the adverse reactions and liver function in 96 weeks. Results HBV DNA negative conversion rates in ETV group were significantly higher than those in ADV group in 24 weeks, 48 weeks and 96 weeks (24 weeks: 64.6%(31/48) vs.41.7%(20/48); 48 weeks: 83.3%(40/48) vs.52.1%(25/48); 96 weeks: 97.9%(47/48) vs.62.5%(30/48), χ2=5.06, 10.72, 18.96, P 0.05). There was no significant difference in HBeAg negative conversion rate between the two groups through treatment(χ2=0.07, 0.22, 0.44, P>0.05). After 96 weeks, ALT in both groups decreased significantly(t=13.56, 11.85, P 0.05). Conclusion Entecavir has a higher rate of HBV DNA negative conversion rate, ALT recurrence rate and HBeAg negative conversion rate in the treatment of HBeAg positive CHB.It is an ideal antiviral drug. Key words: Entecavir; Adefovir dipivoxil; HBeAg positive; Chronic hepatitis B; Efficacy