Renoprotective Effects of Telbivudine in Chronic Hepatitis B

Background Both CHB and chronic kidney disease are major health issue affecting millions of persons worldwide. Based on a large European multicenter database, the Virgil-database, it is estimated that 15% and 4% of the CHB patients in Europe had mild (GFR 50-80ml/min) and moderate (GFR \<50ml/min) renal impairment respectively . These group of patients require special attention as the nucleos(t)ides agents (NA) used in the treatment of CHB are cleared by kidneys and may worsen the kidney function. Recently, a subgroup analysis of the GLOBE study and 4 small prospective studies provide circumstantial evidence on the use of telbivudine (LDT) that can improve renal function in CHB patients. However, there are no prospective, controlled trials to date to evaluate the relationship between LDT and renal function. Research plan and methodology This is a prospective study in CHB patients treated with NA and pre-existing mild to moderate renal impairment defined as estimated GFR (eGFR) 30-90ml/min. Aims To compare the renal function of patients before and after switching lamivudine to telbivudine. To determine any adverse events from switching other NA to telbivudine To determine any biochemical and virological change from switching other NA to telbivudine by checking ALT, HBV DNA at baseline, and at weeks 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96 and 108 weeks To determine any change in 24 hour urinary protein and urinary glucose level To determine the in vitro effects of telbivudine on renal tubular cells