Session Speaker

Trial of Lamivudine in Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Carriers With Persistence Hepatitis B Core IgM Antibody
Husham Y.M. Ali
Iraq

Background: The persistence of hepatitis B core IgM antibody in hepatitis B surface antigen carrier is a risk factor with hidden danger and forecast existence of liver damage. A trial of lamivudine in such subset of carriers was carried on for the first time in this study.

Methods: A total of 62 hepatitis B surface antigen with hepatitis e antibody individuals (age range, 25-45 years) with persistence hepatitis B core IgM antibody were randomized to receive either 100 mg lamivudine (32/62) or placebo (30/62) daily for 6 months.

Results: Among lamivudine group, hepatitis B core IgM antibody seroclearance achievement rate was 81.3% and HBsAg seroconversion rate was 9.4 % compared to 6.3% and 3.3% in placebo group respectively. A number of adverse clinical events were observed, but were of mild nature and tolerable by the participants who completed the study.

Conclusion: Trial of lamivudine in this subset of hepatitis B surface antigen carriers proven to be safe and efficacious. More studies are needed prior to recommending the drug for routine use on selected HBV carriers.