Sustained responses and loss of HBsAg in HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B who stop long-term treatment with adefovir.

Discontinuing Adefovir Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B: Sustained Responses and HBsAg Clearance

This observational study delves into the field of hepatitis B treatment and investigates the outcomes of discontinuing long-term adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) therapy in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The researchers followed 33 patients who had achieved undetectable HBV DNA and normal aminotransferase levels after 4-5 years of ADV treatment. Their main objective was to assess the virological and biochemical effects of discontinuing ADV therapy and identify factors associated with HBsAg clearance.

The study found that while all patients experienced virological and biochemical relapse during the initial months after discontinuation, 55% achieved sustained responses (HBV DNA < 2000 IU/L, persistently normal ALT). Of these, 72% cleared HBsAg. The researchers identified factors associated with HBsAg clearance, including higher pretreatment and EOT levels of ALT, no previous interferon treatment, and lower HBsAg levels at EOT. These findings suggest that it is safe and effective to discontinue ADV therapy in HBeAg-negative patients with CHB after 4-5 years of treatment, with a significant proportion achieving sustained responses and HBsAg clearance.

Discontinuing Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Desert Oasis of Hope

This study, like a camel finding a hidden oasis in the vast desert of hepatitis B treatment, explores the potential of discontinuing ADV therapy in HBeAg-negative patients with CHB. The findings offer a beacon of hope, suggesting that a significant proportion of patients can achieve sustained responses and even HBsAg clearance after discontinuing long-term treatment.

Navigating the Desert of Chronic Hepatitis B: A Personalized Approach

This research, like a camel navigating the shifting sands of chronic hepatitis B treatment, highlights the importance of individualized approaches to managing this complex condition. The study's findings underscore the need for careful monitoring and the identification of factors that predict successful treatment discontinuation.

Dr.Camel's Conclusion

This observational study, like a camel caravan carrying precious knowledge through the desert of hepatitis B research, suggests that discontinuing adefovir therapy in HBeAg-negative patients with CHB after 4-5 years of treatment can be safe and effective, with a significant proportion achieving sustained responses and HBsAg clearance.