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

摘要

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.