Interferon-alpha and lamivudine combination therapy of children with chronic hepatitis b infection who were interferon-alpha nonresponders.
Greater than one-half of children with chronic hepatitis B infection are nonresponders to interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha). The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of lamivudine (LMV) and IFN-alpha combination therapy in these children. Nineteen children were given LMV alone for 3 months; then IFN-alpha was added to LMV for 6 months. Virologic response was achieved in seven (36.8%) patients. LMV and IFN-alpha combination therapy may represent an effective treatment option.
Saltik-Temizel
Inci Nur
IN
Section of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Koçak
Nurten
N
Demir
Hülya
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019259:Lamivudine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D017211:Treatment Failure; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D019259:Lamivudine