Effects of Lamivudine on Serum Albumin Levels in Cirrhotic Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Nakamuta Makoto, Kotoh Kazuhiro, Enjoji Munechika, Kajiwara Eiji, Shimono Junya, Masumoto Akihide, Maruyama Toshihiro, Furusyo Norihiro, Nomura Hideyuki, Sakai Hironori, Takahashi Kazuhiro, Azuma Koichi, Shimoda Shinji, Tanabe Yuichi, Hayashi Jun
Primary Institution: Kyushu University, Japan
Hypothesis
The improvement of hypoalbuminemia by lamivudine may be attributable to the reduction of HBV replication itself, rather than to cessation of hepatitis.
Conclusion
Albumin levels are associated with pretreatment HBV-DNA but not with alanine aminotransferase levels.
Supporting Evidence
- The average increase in serum albumin levels was 0.38 g/dL after treatment.
- Only serum HBV-DNA levels before treatment correlated significantly with the increase in albumin levels.
- In patients with undetectable HBV-DNA at month 12, there was a significant correlation between Δ-albumin and both pretreatment serum HBV-DNA levels and Δ-HBV-DNA.
Takeaway
This study found that giving lamivudine to patients with liver cirrhosis can help increase their albumin levels, especially if their HBV levels are high.
Methodology
The study evaluated 54 cirrhotic patients treated with lamivudine for over 12 months, analyzing correlations between serum albumin levels and various pretreatment variables.
Potential Biases
There may be biases related to patient selection and the observational nature of the study.
Limitations
The study did not account for all potential confounding factors that could influence albumin levels.
Participant Demographics
The study included 54 cirrhotic patients (38 males and 16 females) aged 28 to 71 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.0103
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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