Peginterferon alpha-based therapy for chronic hepatitis B focusing on HBsAg clearance or seroconversion: a meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials
2011

Meta-analysis of Peginterferon Alpha Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis B

Sample size: 2682 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Li Wen-cong, Wang Mao-rong, Kong Ling-bo, Ren Wei-guang, Zhang Yu-guo, Nan Yue-min

Primary Institution: Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University

Hypothesis

Is pegylated interferon alpha-based therapy more effective than conventional therapies for HBsAg clearance or seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B patients?

Conclusion

PEG-IFNα-based therapy is more effective than LAM monotherapy for HBsAg clearance or seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • PEG-IFNα was superior to LAM in achieving HBsAg clearance.
  • No significant difference was found between PEG-IFNα monotherapy and combination therapy with LAM.
  • The absolute change in HBsAg clearance and seroconversion rates was low, about 3-6%.

Takeaway

This study found that a specific treatment for hepatitis B helps patients get rid of a virus marker better than another common treatment.

Methodology

Meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials published from 2004 to 2010.

Potential Biases

Potential publication bias was noted in some comparisons.

Limitations

The analysis included both high-quality and low-quality studies, which may weaken the conclusions.

Participant Demographics

Patients with chronic hepatitis B, both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.01

Confidence Interval

(1.18-74.94)

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2334-11-165

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