Table 2.

Durability of virologic and biochemical responses according to HBeAg positivity after discontinuation of ADV treatment during the follow-up period

"Viral relapse" was defined as HBV DNA detection by PCR after failure to detect HBV DNA (Cobas TaqMan DNA PCR, detection limit: < 70 copies/mL); "Viral rebound" as HBV DNA detection at more than 10⁵ copies/mL; and "HBeAg reversion" as the positivity of HBeAg after HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients.

ADV, adefovir dipivoxil; HBeAg, hepatitis B e antigen; ALT, alanine aminotransferase.