Clinical study on prevention of HBV re-infection by entecavir after liver transplantation

Purpose: This aims to evaluate the effects of lamivudine (LAM) and entecavir (ETV) in preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) re-infection after liver transplantation (LT). Methods: A retrospective matched case-control method was used in this study. From June 2005 to May 2007, the patients who received LAM (100 mg qd) or ETV (0.5 mg qd) were chosen. The LAM and ETV groups were matched using a 3: 1 ratio based on the factors, such as age, gender, LAM or ETV antiviral duration, primary disease, and HBV DNA levels at the initiation of antiviral therapy. Data on serum HBV markers, HBV DNA, and cumulative recurrence were collected. Results: Two hundred and fifty-two patients were enrolled. The average duration of follow-up was 38.5 and 41.2 months (LAM and ETV groups) (p > 0.05). Duration of pre-operative antiviral therapy was 30.3 and 25.8 d (LAM and ETV groups) (p > 0.05). The HBV DNA level decreased from 3.89 x 10(6) to 5.31 x 10(5) copies/mL before LT in the LAM group, and decreased from 8.74 x 10(6) to 5.49 x 10(4) copies/mL in the ETV group (p < 0.05). Eighteen patients in LAM group developed HBV re-infection and 0 in ETV group. Conclusion: ETV is superior to LAM for preventing HBV re-infection following LT.