Source
State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China.
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.