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[Therapy of viral hepatitis]
1Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, Universität Bern. beat.burckhardt@ikp.unibe.ch
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|November 13, 2003
Summary
Current treatments for chronic viral hepatitis B and C offer moderate success rates. While therapies can reduce liver disease progression, challenges like viral resistance and relapse persist, necessitating further research for improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Chronic viral hepatitis B and C are major global causes of liver disease, including cirrhosis and cancer.
- Effective management is crucial to prevent severe hepatic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current therapeutic strategies for chronic hepatitis B and C.
- To discuss practical considerations and outcomes of these treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on therapies for chronic viral hepatitis B and C.
- Analysis of treatment efficacy, indications, and practical aspects.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis C treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin achieves viral eradication in approximately 55% of patients.
- Hepatitis B treatment with interferon alpha yields HBe antigen seroconversion in 25-45% and HBs antigen loss in ~10%.
- Lamivudine shows promise for anti-HBe positive hepatitis B but faces challenges with relapse and resistance.
Conclusions:
- Current therapies for chronic viral hepatitis B and C can slow disease progression to cirrhosis and cancer in responders.
- Further advancements are needed to overcome limitations such as viral resistance and high relapse rates in hepatitis B treatment.
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