Effects of compound glycyrrhizin on the treatment of children with chronic hepatitis B and serum TNF - α concentration

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of compound glycyrrhizin on the treatment of children with chronic active hepatitis B, as well as on serum TNF-α concentration. Methods Thirty -eight children with chronic active hepatitis B were recruited and treated with compound glycyrrhizin iv. Blood samples were taken 2 - 3 weeks after treatment. He-patic function parameters,serum TNF- α, and clinic response were analyzed in these children. Results After treatment with compound glycyrrhizin, liver function parameters such as serum ALT,AST and bilirubin were significantly decreased 2-3 weeks after treatment compared with those at the beginning of treatment. The treatment significantly improved clinical symptoms,and down -regulated the serum level of TNF -α. Conclusions Compound glycyrrhizin is effective to treat children with chronic hepatitis B,and can improve the clinical symptoms, and down-regulate preinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. Key words: Child;  Compound glycyrrhizin;  Hepatitis B;  Tumor necrosis factor - α