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  • Title: The efficacy of thymosin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection: a meta-analysis.
    Author: Chan HL, Tang JL, Tam W, Sung JJ.
    Journal: Aliment Pharmacol Ther; 2001 Dec; 15(12):1899-905. PubMed ID: 11736720.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Trials of thymosin treatment in chronic hepatitis B virus infection have been small and the results have been inconsistent. AIM: To conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of thymosin treatment in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials comparing thymosin for over 24 weeks vs. placebo (or usual care) in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection were identified through MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Register of Clinical Trials. Biochemical (normalization of transaminases) and virological (loss of hepatitis B virus DNA and hepatitis B e antigen) responses were analysed using the intention-to-treat method. The odds ratio was used to measure the magnitude of the efficacy. RESULTS: Five trials (353 patients) were identified. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of the virological response of thymosin over placebo at the end of treatment, 6 months post-treatment and 12 months post-treatment were 0.56 (0.2-1.52), 1.67 (0.83-3.37) and 2.67 (1.25-5.68), respectively. There was an increasing trend of the virological response with time since the cessation of thymosin treatment (P=0.02). There was no difference in the biochemical response between the thymosin and placebo groups at the end of treatment, 6 months post-treatment and 12 months post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Thymosin is effective in suppressing viral replication in chronic hepatitis B virus infection, but the effect is delayed until 12 months after the cessation of treatment.
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