Majallah-i Dānishgāh-i ̒Ulūm-i Pizishkī-i Qum (Jun 2018)
The Effect of Antiviral Therapy with Tenofovir on Liver Fibrosis and Liver Function in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Chronic viral hepatitis B is a global health problem, which, if not treated, can lead to some serious complications, such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, the effect of antiviral therapy with tenofovir, was investigated on reduction of liver fibrosis and improvement of liver function in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Methods: In this clinical trial, 40 patients with chronic hepatitis B underwent antiviral therapy with tenofovir 300 mg daily. Demographic information and results of laboratory tests (before treatment and 6 months after the start of treatment), were collected using a checklist. Liver stiffness was measured and recorded using a fibroscan device (before and 6 months after the treatment). Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon and paired t- tests. The level of significance was considered to be p<0.05. Results: Among 40 patients, one person was excluded from the project due to lack of follow-up. Of remaining 39 patients, 27 subjects (69.2%) were male and 12 subjects (30.8%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 47.53±13.68 years. The mean levels of AST, ALT, Child score, and liver stiffness did not show significant improvement during a 6-month follow-up according to Wilcoxon and paired t- tests. Conclusion: This study showed that although hepatic fibrosis and liver function in patients with chronic hepatitis B are reversible after treatment, changes require long-term treatment and follow-up.