Annals of Internal Medicine Effects of Lamivudine on Replication of Hepatitis B Virus in HIV-infected Men

Background: Therapy for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infec-t ion is still unsatisfactory, particularly in patients who are co-infected wi th the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Lamivudine, a retroviral inhibitor, has been shown to have activity against HBV replication in vitro, in animal models, and in studies of immunocompetent persons. Objective: To assess the efficacy of lamivudine in inhibit-ing HBV replication during a 12-month period in patients wi th both HBV and HIV infection. Design: Prospective, open study. Setting: University hospital. Patients: 40 consecutive patients (39 men and 1 woman) infected wi th both HIV and HBV. All had progressive HIV disease; were refractory to or unable to tolerate therapies other than lamivudine; and received lamivudine, 600 mg/