A combination treatment of entecavir and early-phase corticosteroid in severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B

World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Apr 7;15(13):1650-2. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.1650.

Abstract

Of patients with severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B accompanied by jaundice and coagulopathy, 20%-30% have a fatal outcome. In this report, we describe 2 cases of severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B with jaundice and coagulopathy who were successfully treated with a combination of entecavir and corticosteroid. In both cases, rapid reductions in serum hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA levels were observed, and corticosteroid was stopped after serum HBV-DNA levels became undetectable. Entecavir treatment was continued. Generally, entecavir treatment reduced serum HBV-DNA levels rapidly, although the improvement in liver function was delayed by a few weeks. During this time lag, liver cell injury continued and the disease progressed. Corticosteroid suppressed the excessive host immune response and was useful for stopping progressive deterioration. A combination of entecavir and early-phase corticosteroid may be a useful treatment in severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • DNA, Viral / blood
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Guanine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Guanine / therapeutic use
  • Hepatitis B virus / genetics
  • Hepatitis B virus / metabolism
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Antiviral Agents
  • DNA, Viral
  • entecavir
  • Guanine