The efficacy of thymosin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection: a meta-analysis

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2001 Dec;15(12):1899-905. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2001.01135.x.

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.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens / analysis
  • Hepatitis B virus / drug effects*
  • Hepatitis B virus / genetics
  • Hepatitis B virus / pathogenicity
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / immunology
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / virology
  • Humans
  • MEDLINE
  • Odds Ratio
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Thymosin / immunology
  • Thymosin / therapeutic use*
  • Transaminases / analysis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • DNA, Viral
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens
  • Thymosin
  • Transaminases