Abstract: Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and disposal experiences of entecavir-induced peripheral neuropathy in three patients with HBV related liver cirrhosis. Methods We had a retrospective analysis about peripheral neuropathy caused by using entecavir in three patients with HBV related liver cirrhosis in our hospital from July 2011 to July 2014. The clinical characteristics of peripheral neuropathy were summarized. The clinical index,serum HBV DNA and neuro-electromyography were routinely carried out. Results The three patients were middle-aged men,the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy appeared from 3 days to 52 weeks after entecavir administration. Numbness and pain in distal limbs were main clinical manifestations. Neuro-electromyography showed peripheral nerves were injured. Electromyogram were normal in the three patients. Entecavir were discontinued and adefovir were given in the three patients. Vitamin B,combined coenzyme, alprostadil,salvia miltiorrhiza and physical exercise were also carried out in this three patients. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy disappeared 1 to 5 weeks after entecavir discontinuation and the function of peripheral nerves recovered 16 to 61 weeks later. During follow-up,the three patients were not showed recurrence. Conclusion Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by using entecavir in patients with HBV related liver cirrhosis. The clinical manifestation in each patient differs a little. When a patient like this is met,the discontinuation of suspected medicine is recommended and an appropriate treatment should be given. Then the patient would have a good prognosis.

Key words: Liver cirrhosis, Hepatitis B, Entecavir, Peripheral neuropathy