Abstract

NATURAL HISTORY AND RESPONSES TO ANTIVIRAL THERAPIES FOR CHRONIC HEPATITIS B PATIENTS IN SUEZ CITY, EGYPT

Adel A. Hassan*, Mahmoud M. Shedeed, Ahmed G. Salem, Ahmed S. Shalapy, Ahmed Faisal and Mohamed Mosaad

Abstract

Background: The natural history of chronic HBV infection is dynamic, involving a complex interplay between the virus, the hepatocyte and the host immune system. Aim: To improve the management plan of chronic hepatitis B. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study. It included 140 patients with chronic hepatitis B who were following up at the Communicable Disease Research and Training Center during the period between December 2010 and December 2015. Results: Most of patients were in the inactive carrier state representing about 70.2% while patients with active hepatitis represent only 22.8%. The incidence of reactivation was found to be 1.75%/year. Concerning liver cirrhosis; its prevalence was found 18.6% while its incidence was 1.1%/ year. The cumulative 5-years resistance rate to the antiviral drugs was as the follow: Lamivudine (23.9%) while Lamivudine + Adefovir regimen (50%), however no detected resistance for tenofovir. Conclusion: Chronic hepatitis B has a relatively benign course in our region, however regular follow up is recommended due to its dynamic nature and for early detection of its devastating complications. Lamivudine has a fair response rate in our region, unfortunately the response rate to the Adds-On regimen with adefovir was found disappointing, however Tenofovir was found to be highly efficient.

Keywords: Hepatitis B, Natural History, Lamivudine, Tenofovir.