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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