Lamivudine monotherapy in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B: prediction of response‐breakthrough and long‐term clinical outcome

Abstract

In HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B, initial response to lamivudine therapy is associated with necroinflammation, while baseline serum hepatitis B virus DNA exceeding 10(6) copies/mL is a strong predictor for breakthrough because of drug-resistant mutations. Severe complications are uncommon and are associated with biochemical breakthrough and pre-existing cirrhosis.