Comparing the efficacy of alpha-interferon and lamivudine in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health concern. Alpha-interferon and lamivudine have been approved for HBV patients; however, their efficacy remains a matter of controversy. The present study compares these two antiviral regimens in a group of Iranian patients with chronic hepatitis B. It was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Totally, 32 newly diagnosed hepatitis B patients were assigned in 2 groups of lamivudine (100mg per day orally) and alpha-interferon 2a (9 million units every other days subcutaneously). Both groups were evaluated at weeks 0,1,2,4, and monthly after till the 6th month at Tehran Hepatitis Center. HBV DNA, HBeAg, anti-HBe, ALT activity, liver biopsy according to Knodell scoring system and drug side effects were determined, when appropriate. The mean age of the patients was 31.4 ±8.8 years. PCR studies revealed negative in 13 (81.3%) interferon- and 15 (93.8%) lamivudine-treated subjects after 6 months of therapy. Among 17 patients with ALT activity of less than 70IU/l prior to therapy, 9 (90%) interferon- and 7 (100%) lamivudine-treated patients were found to have negative PCR results following the therapy (p