Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of telbivudine treatment in patients with HBeAg-positive hepatitis B. Methods 48 patients with HBeAg-positive hepatitis B were de novo treated with telbivudine. At 12， 24 and 48 weeks after treatment， the biochemical， virological and serological responses were evaluated. Results At 12，24 and 48 weeks after treatment， the serum response rates were 22.9%，56.2%，64.6%，respectively; the virological response rates were 47.9%，85.4%，89.6%，respectively. They were significantly correlated to baseline ALT，AST and HBV DNA levels; the biochemical response rates were 47.9%，83.3%，95.8%，respectively. Biochemical response at week 24 was correlated to baseline ALT and AST levels; serum creatine kinase levels were elevated to 192 to 610U/L in 3 patients without muscle symptomes. Conclusions Telbivudine has beneficial effects in chronic hepatitis B patients with HBeAg positive.

Key words: Hepatitis B, Telbivudine, Therapy