1%(5/45), 9.5% (2/21) and 27.3% (3/11) at month 24, 36, and 48. Nine patients (20.0%) changed medication dut to myopathy with elevated creatine kinase. Conclusion: Our result shows viral breakthrough and myopathy
were increased in the course of long term use of clevudine. So, clevudine is not suitable as first line treatment of CHB. Key Word(s): 1. Clevudine; 2. Chronic hepatitis B; 3. Viral breakthrough; 4. Myopathy; Presenting Author: KYIKYI THA Additional Authors: CHIRKJENN NG, WENTING TONG, SYAFIQAHABDUL KADAR, WAHYUN LOW, ROSMAWATI MOHAMED Corresponding Author: selleck kinase inhibitor KYIKYI THA Affiliations: Monash University Sunway Campus; University of Malaya Objective: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. However, the effectiveness and safety of CAM in the treatment of CHB infection is unclear. This selleck chemicals llc study aimed to explore doctors’ views and experiences on the use of CAM in patients with CHB infection. Methods: We used a qualitative methodology to capture doctors’ views and experiences. The participants were doctors in primary and secondary care, who had experience in managing patients with CHB infection for the past six months. It was conducted in a tertiary hospital located in an urban area in Malaysia between year 2012 and 2013. Two focus groups discussions were conducted (n = 12). Trained
facilitators conducted the focus groups using a topic guide, which was developed based on literature review and expert opinions. Each focus group comprised six participants. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, checked
and analysed by researchers using a thematic approach. Results: The doctors were aware of a range of CAM for the treatment of CHB infection including herbs, traditional medicine, vitamin supplement and spiritual healing. The attitudes towards CAM varied among the doctors; while some discussed the options, others were either ambivalent or strongly discouraged patients from using CAM. The doctors were aware and concerned about the potential side effects of some of the CAM and the lack of evidence in recommending them in their practice. However, some highlighted that the limitations of western medicine, such as no see more guarantee for cure, safety, were the reason why patients used CAM. Some doctors also stated that there were lack of clear guidelines and regulations on use of CAM in Malaysia. This has made it challenging for the doctors to advise patients on proper use of CAM. Conclusion: There was a wide variation in the doctors’ views and experiences in managing patients who use CAM. This appears to be due to the lack of evidence on the role of CAM in treating CHB infection. Key Word(s): 1. CAM; 2. Chronic hepatitis B; 3. qualitative study; 4.