| Theme |
Interferon Therapy for Viral Hepatitis : an Update Handbook |
| Title |
Follow up Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients not Responding to Interferon Therapy |
| Author |
Shiro Murashima |
Reserch Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Michio Sata |
Second Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
Interferon is widely approved as a therapy for chronic hepatitis-B. Some treatment regimens and protocols were tested. Though treatment efficacy is still not sufficient, some patients remained HBeAg-positive and exhibited elevated alanine transaminases. Glycyrrhizinic acid or UDCA have been used to reduce the alanine transaminase level for patients who were not previously helped by interferon therapy. Lamivudine is a novel nucleoside analogue and is associated with improvements in alanine transaminases, reduction in viral load and substantial histological improvement. The long-term effects of retreatment, adopting use of lamivudine for chronic hepatitis-B, are currently being assessed. |