[Treatment of viral hepatitis]

The primary goals of treatment for viral hepatitis are to eradicate the infection early in the course of the disease, to prevent progression to end-stage liver disease, and to prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The secondary goal is to decrease the number of chronic carriers who serve as a reservoir for viral transmission. The major step in the management of hepatitis B was the introduction of successful vaccination. The treatment of hepatitis B includes nucleoside analogues (lamivudine and adefovir) and interferon. The major problem in lamivudine treatment is the development of resistant viral mutants. Hepatitis D can worsen hepatitis B and lead to progressive liver disease. The recommended treatment is interferon. Hepatitis C, due to the lack of vaccine and tendency to develop chronic liver disease, is the major health problem and the leading indication for liver transplantation today. The recommended treatment is the combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin.