Clinical and Experimental Medical Journal
Volume/Issue:
Volume 3: Issue 1
Lamivudine causes reduction of histological activity index and viral load in liver biopsies in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection
Authors:
Suraiya Enam Department of Pathology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

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Mohammed Kamal Department of Pathology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

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Mobin Khan Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

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Salimur Rahman Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

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Mamun-Al-Mahtab Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

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Pages:
109–117
Online Publication Date:
01 Mar 2009
Publication Date:
01 Mar 2009
Article Category:
Research Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1556/CEMED.3.2009.1.10
Keywords:
chronic hepatitis B; lamivudine; hepatic histology; CHB, chronic hepatitis B; HAI, histological activity index; HBV, hepatitis B virus
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Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the histological activity index and viral load, which one response more with lamivudine, an anti-viral agent used for treating chronic hepatitis B infected patients.

Materials and methods

Following the defined case selection protocol a total of 39 CHB cases were enrolled in the study. After initial evaluation they received with lamivudine orally for 52 weeks. Repeat biopsy could be obtained in 16 cases. 16 patients were analysed in this study. All patients had a liver biopsy at the beginning of the study before starting the drug. Lamivudine was given orally at a dose of 100 mg once daily for 52 weeks. A second liver biopsy was taken for comparison at the end of week 52. Biopsy materials were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin staining as a routine procedure. Immunohistochemical staining for both surface and core antigens by using antibodies against these antigens were done as special staining. In routine staining biopsies were scored according to Knodell's Histological Activity Index (HAI). Improvements in histological activity index were regarded in cases where Knodell's HAI improved by 2 points or more after treatment. Both Viral Load and staining intensity of each antigen were assessed by visual inspection of 300 hepatocytes randomly under light microscope.

Results

68% (11/16) patients had a reduction of hepatic necroinflammatory HAI score (Components 1 through 3) by 2 points or more at the end of 52 weeks of lamivudine therapy compared to the pretreatment values. Improvement in viral load was found in 80% (12/15) cases. Staining intensity of both viral antibodies was also decreased following treatment.

Discussion

One of the key objectives of treatment of chronic hepatitis B remains to improve hepatic histology in addition to clearing the virus. The quest continues in this regard and antivirals are potential tools at hand in achieving this goal.

Conclusion

Lamivudine causes significant improvement in viral load in the majority of patients treated for CHB.

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Cover Clinical and Experimental Medical Journal
Clinical and Experimental Medical Journal
Print ISSN:
2060-6249
Online ISSN:
2060-968X

Clinical and Experimental Medical Journal
Language English
Size  
Year of
Foundation		 2007
Publication
Programme		 ceased
Volumes
per Year		  
Issues
per Year		  
Publisher Akadémiai Kiadó
Publisher's
Address		 H-1117 Budapest, Hungary 1516 Budapest, PO Box 245
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Publisher		 Chief Executive Officer, Akadémiai Kiadó
ISSN 2060-6249 (Print)
ISSN 2060-968X (Online)

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