The emergence of YMDD mutants precedes biochemical flare by 19 weeks in lamivudine-treated chronic hepatitis B patients: an opportunity for therapy reevaluation.

Given the loss of therapeutic efficacy associated with the development of resistance to lamivudine (LMV) and the availability of new alternative treatments for chronic hepatitis B patients, early detection of viral genotypic resistance could allow the clinician to consider therapy modification before viral breakthrough and biochemical relapse occur. To this end, 28 LMV-treated patients (44 +/- 12 years; 24 men), on their first therapy schedule, were monitored monthly at four Brazilian centers for the emergence of drug resistance using the reverse hybridization-based INNO-LiPA HBV DR assay and occasionally sequencing (two cases). Positive viral responses (HBV DNA clearance) after 6, 12, and 18 months of therapy were achieved by 57, 68, and 53% of patients, while biochemical responses (serum alanine aminotransferase normalization) were observed in 82, 82, and 53% of cases.

Prevalence of hepatitis C infection in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Several studies have suggested an association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The results, however, have been controversial. Italian and Japanese studies have reported a 40% prevalence rate, but the data were not confirmed by English and Canadian studies.

[Evolutive aspects of post-transfusion hepatitis C. Review of 175 cases].

Hepatitis C virus is the main agent responsible for post-transfusion hepatitis. Progression to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is very common. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency, timing and factors related to progression of hepatitis C.