Tenofovir and entecavir for chronic hepatitis B infection treatment: a single-center experience

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The current treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection (CHBV) has achieved several step-ups thanks to the introduction of the new-generation nucleos(t)ide analogs. Entecavir and tenofovir have shown a high genetic resistance barrier and a low rate of side effects. In literature, there are a few studies comparing entecavir and tenofovir in the treatment of CHBV. Thus, we describe the results of our experience in managing CHBV patients with tenofovir vs. entecavir.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have retrospectively evaluated, from 2007 to date, 20 CHBV patients treated with entecavir and tenofovir. All the patients underwent basal and periodical clinical follow-up, blood tests, virological tests, Fibroscan® test or liver biopsy and also upper abdominal ultrasound examination. Study endpoints were: viral replication inhibition, viral antigens seroconversion and transaminases normalization. Drug-associated side effects were also registered.RESULTS: After 12 weeks of therapy, entecavir and tenofovir lead to HBV-DNA negativization in 44% and 62% of patients, respectively. A case of viral seroconversion for HBeAg and HBsAg was evident in entecavir group, while no cases were registered in tenofovir group. After 12 weeks, 11% of entecavir treated patients and 37% of tenofovir treated patients showed normalization of transaminases.DISCUSSION: Tenofovir seems to exert a better viral replication inhibition (though not statistically significant) and to show transaminases improvement in comparison with entecavir, which, in turn, results more effective in HBeAg/HBsAg seroconversion. Both drugs have a high safety profile in terms of side effects.[Article in Italian]