We studied 19 patients with cirrhosis due to HBeAg-negative CHB and HVPG 10 mm Hg treated with oral lamivudine (100 mg daily). Liver biochemistry, Child-Pugh and MELD score were determined every 3 months, alpha-fetoprotein and HBV DNA every 6 months and HVPG at baseline and at 12 months after lamivudine initiation. Diuretics, beta-blockers, antibiotics and/or endoscopic therapy were used for routine indications.
At 12 months, a significant reduction was observed in ALT (p = 0.001), HBV DNA (p = 0.002), Child-Pugh (p = 0.012) and MELD score (p = 0.006). Four patients developed virological breakthrough during treatment. At 12 months, HVPG decreased in all but one patient [baseline: 14.4 ± 3.9 and 12 months: 12.4 ± 3.3 mm Hg (p = 0.007)]. HVPG decreased >20 % or below the 12 mm Hg threshold in 10 of 13 patients with baseline HVPG 12 mm Hg. HVPG increased in a patient with hepatic flare after virological breakthrough.
In conclusion, in patients with cirrhosis due to HBeAg-negative CHB, lamivudine monotherapy reduces HVPG, especially when virological suppression and biochemical remission is achieved.