Outcome of Hepatitis B treatment with oral drugs (Tenofovir and Entecavir) in a tertiary care center in eastern India

Background and Aim. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health threat in India, despite the availability of effective vaccination against the virus, and is one of the most significant chronic viral infections affecting the Indian population. There are very few reports on the out-come of hepatitis B treatment with oral drugs which this study has stressed on. Patients and Methods. This prospective study included 134 patients with chronic HBV patients on oral antiviral therapy (Tenofovir or Entecavir) for at least 1 year. Viral loads were assessed by HBV-DNA Quantitative assay. Clinical history included mode of transmission, physical ex-amination, laboratory investigations included liver function test, complete CBC, and serum creatinine were done. Non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis included APRI, FIB-4, and fibroscan were assessed at baseline and 24th month. Results. Vertical transmission was the most common mode of tran-smission noted in 26.11%, followed by blood transfusion in 5.97% of cases. The mode of transmission was unknown in 60.44% of cases. Tenofovir and Entecavir lead to effective viral suppression, with 65.7% of cases (88 out of 134) ach-ieving a viral load below detectable limit (BDL) at the end of 6 months. By the end of the 12th and 18th months, 77.6% (104 cases) and 85.1% (114 cases) respectively achieved viral load BDL. At the end of 2 years, 89.6% (120 cases) achieved viral load below detectable limit. Significant impr-ovements in serum transaminases and liver fibrosis were observed at 24 months post-initiation of therapy. Conclusion. Treatment with Tenofovir or Entecavir in Indian patients with chronic HBV infection is effective in improving hepatic transaminases and fibrosis. Good compliance with these medications, along with regular follow-up, can help prevent the progression of the disease to end-stage liver disease.