3801
document
Response of pre-core mutant chronic hepatitis B infection to lamivudine . The proportion of chronic liver disease associated with the pre-core mutant of hepatitis B virus ( HBV ) infection is increasing , particularly in Mediterranean Europe and in Asia . The pre-core mutant HBV is unable to produce hepatitis B e antigen ( HBeAg ) , so that patients with this variant do not present with HBV characterised by HBeAg in the serum . Pre-core mutant chronic hepatitis B infection usually proceeds to serious liver disease . Wild-type HBV infection may be mild and respond relatively well to interferon ( IFN ) alpha therapy , but IFN alpha is not an effective therapeutic option in pre-core mutant hepatitis B infection and new therapeutic options are needed . Clinical data show that lamivudine is an effective treatment for patients with pre-core mutant hepatitis B . There is profound suppression of HBV replication and improvement in indicators of liver disease in most patients . In conclusion , lamivudine is suitable for treatment of a wide range of patients with chronic hepatitis B , including those with pre-core mutant HBV infection .
3802
Intervention_Pharmacological
lamivudine
3803
Intervention_Pharmacological
lamivudine
3804
Intervention_Pharmacological
lamivudine
3805
Outcome_Physical
HBeAg in the serum .
3806
Outcome_Other
effective
3807
Outcome_Physical
HBV replication
3808
Outcome_Physical
indicators of liver disease
3809
Participant_Condition
pre-core mutant chronic hepatitis B infection
3810
Participant_Condition
pre-core mutant of hepatitis B virus ( HBV ) infection