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Published on: June 26, 2020
Hepatitis d.
Elif S Koytak1, Cihan Yurdaydin, Jeffrey S Glenn
1Jeffrey S. Glenn, MD, PhD Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CCSR Building, Room 3115A, Stanford University School of Medicine, 269 Campus Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94305-5187, USA. jeffrey.glenn@stanford.edu.
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) to replicate, causing severe liver disease. Chronic HDV infection often leads to cirrhosis, necessitating new treatments beyond interferon-alpha.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is an RNA virus dependent on hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication and spread.
- HDV infection is globally distributed, with higher prevalence in tropical/subtropical regions.
- While HBV control has reduced HDV incidence in developed nations, it remains a persistent health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiology, clinical progression, and current therapeutic landscape of HDV infection.
- To highlight the urgent need for novel treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis D.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing data on HDV epidemiology and clinical outcomes.
- Analysis of current treatment options, including interferon-alpha and liver transplantation.
- Identification of gaps in therapeutic approaches for HDV.
Main Results:
- Chronic hepatitis D progresses to cirrhosis in approximately 80% of cases within 5-10 years.
- Interferon-alpha is the sole approved therapy, with limited efficacy.
- Liver transplantation is an option for end-stage disease but does not prevent HDV recurrence.
Conclusions:
- HDV infection poses a significant global health challenge due to its rapid progression to cirrhosis.
- Current therapies for chronic hepatitis D are insufficient, underscoring the critical need for innovative treatment modalities.
- Further research into novel antiviral agents and therapeutic strategies is essential to combat HDV infection effectively.
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