Overview

This is a prospective, randomized, open-label clinical trial designed to compare the antiviral efficacy and safety of entecavir 0.5 mg once daily versus entecavir 1.0 mg once daily in adult patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related decompensated liver cirrhosis. A total of 48 participants will be randomized equally to the two treatment groups and followed for 24 weeks. The primary outcome is the reduction in serum HBV DNA at week 24. Secondary outcomes include changes in Child-Pugh and MELD scores, HBeAg seroconversion, development or worsening of hepatic decompensation, occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma, and safety of treatment.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age: 18 years or older.
2. HBV-related decompensated cirrhosis of liver based on clinical, biochemical and radiological evidence.
3. Detectable level of HBV DNA irrespective of HBeAg status.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Clinical, biochemical, or radiological evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma.
2. Coinfection with HCV.
3. Patient is ongoing antiviral treatment.
4. Cirrhosis due to other causes.
5. Acute-on-chronic liver failure, defined according to the criteria established by APASL.
6. Pregnancy.
7. Patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to Entecavir.