The efficacy and safety of nucleos(t)ide analogues in the treatment of HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure: a meta-analysis

Ann Hepatol. 2013 May-Jun;12(3):364-72.

Abstract

Background and purpose: The application of nucleos(t)ide analogues in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has not yet been widely accepted. Therefore, we conducted a metaanalysis of prospective and retrospective studies to examine the efficacy and safety of nucleos(t)ide analogues in treating HBV-related ACLF.

Material and methods: Two independent reviewers identified eligible studies through electronic, and manual searches, and contact with experts. Three-month mortality was defined as the primary efficacy measure. ACLF reactivation and HBV DNA inhibition were secondary efficacy measures. Quantitative meta-analyses were performed to compare differences between nucleos(t)ide analogue and control groups.

Results: Five eligible studies were identified. Antiviral treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues led to significant reduction of HBV DNA [HBV DNA reduction > 2 log: 70.4 vs. 29%, RR = 2.29, 95%CI (1.49, 3.53), P < 0.01]. ACLF patients receiving nucleos(t)ide analogue had significantly lower 3-month mortality [44.8 vs. 73.3%, RR = 0.68, 95%CI (0.54, 0.84), P < 0.01] as well as incidence of reactivation [1.80 vs. 18.4%, RR = 0.11, 95%CI (0.03, 0.43), P < 0.01] compared to those who did not. There was no significant difference in the prognosis of patients treated with entecavir or lamivudine [36.4 vs. 40.5%, RR = 0.77, 95%CI (0.45, 1.32), P = 0.35]. No drug-related adverse events were reported during follow-up.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment reduces short-term mortality as well as reactivation of HBV-related ACLF patients. Nucleos(t)ide analogues are well-tolerated during therapy, and suggestive evidence indicates that entecavir and lamivudine confer comparable.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • DNA, Viral / blood
  • End Stage Liver Disease / diagnosis
  • End Stage Liver Disease / drug therapy*
  • End Stage Liver Disease / mortality
  • End Stage Liver Disease / virology
  • Hepatitis B / complications
  • Hepatitis B / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis B / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis B / mortality
  • Hepatitis B virus / drug effects
  • Hepatitis B virus / genetics
  • Hepatitis B virus / growth & development
  • Humans
  • Liver Failure, Acute / diagnosis
  • Liver Failure, Acute / drug therapy*
  • Liver Failure, Acute / mortality
  • Liver Failure, Acute / virology
  • Nucleosides / adverse effects
  • Nucleosides / therapeutic use*
  • Nucleotides / adverse effects
  • Nucleotides / therapeutic use*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Recurrence
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Viral Load
  • Virus Activation

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Biomarkers
  • DNA, Viral
  • Nucleosides
  • Nucleotides