Latest Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a massive emotional and economic burden. Here we will discuss the latest treatment of Hepatitis B, methods of diagnosis and prevention.
Adults who are infected with
HBV usually develop an acute hepatitis that resolves spontaneously. However,
3-5% go on to develop chronic hepatitis B which then follows a similar pattern.
Prevention
HBV transmission can be
prevented through screening of donated blood, plasma, organ tissue and semen,
by virus inactivation in plasma-derived products, risk-reduction counselling and
by implementation of infection control procedure.
However, the most effective
prevention measure is routine immunization. Immunization should be given to
high-risk individuals including healthcare professionals, persons with multiple
sex partners as well as intravenous drug users.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of chronic HBV
infection is made from its biochemical, virological and histological features
together. Routine liver infection tests and serological assays for the
detection of HBV antigens and antibodies should be performed to assess the
phase of chronic hepatitis.
Treatment
The central aim of chronic
hepatitis B treatment is to suppress HBV replication and to induce remission of
liver disease before the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Patients with compensated
cirrhosis and raised HBV DNA levels can be treated with lamivudine or adefovir
but interferon can cause flares and should be avoided.
For more information
regarding HBV/Iron Deficiency Anemia-
please visit www.stargastroenterology.com

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