Lamivudine for treatment of spontaneous exacerbation and reactivation after immunosuppressive therapy in patients with hepatitis B virus infection

Background/Aims: We evaluated the efficacy of lamivudine therapy for treatment of spontaneous exacerbation and reactivation after immunosuppressive therapy in patients with hepatitis B virus infection. Lamivudine is an effective therapy if used in early stages of both spontaneous exacerbation and reactivation after immunosuppressive therapy. Methodology: In our study, twelve patients experienced flares of chronic hepatitis B over a three-year period. Results: Three patients whose pretreatment total bilirubin levels were more than 7mg/dL died of fatal liver failure despite lamivudine therapy. Conclusions: We concluded that if pretreatment serum bilirubin levels are, higher than 7mg/dL, lamivudine therapy alone may be insufficient and more effective therapies should be considered concomitantly with lamivudine.