[Monitoring of patients with chronic hepatitis during and after therapy]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) infections persist as major global health challenges despite available treatments.
• Current management strategies focus on reducing adverse outcomes and public health impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline current diagnostic and treatment protocols for chronic hepatitis C and B.
• To highlight the importance of screening, fibrosis assessment, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detection.

Main Methods:

• Screening high-risk populations for HCV and HBV using sensitive diagnostic tests.
• Utilizing quantitative assays for HCV RNA and HBV DNA, alongside genotyping for HCV.
• Employing liver biopsy, elastography, and serum markers for fibrosis assessment; ultrasound, MSCT, or MR for HCC detection.

Main Results:

• HCV management involves RNA quantification, genotyping, fibrosis staging, and HCC surveillance, with liver transplantation as an option for cirrhosis.
• HBV management includes screening, antibody testing, quantitative viral load assessment, and treatment with interferon or nucleos(t)ide analogues, often lifelong.
• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detection is crucial in both HCV and HBV cirrhosis, with liver transplantation being a successful option.

Conclusions:

• Despite effective treatments, chronic viral hepatitis remains a significant public health concern.
• Comprehensive screening, accurate staging of liver disease, and timely HCC surveillance are critical for managing HCV and HBV infections.
• Lifelong treatment is often necessary for HBV, and liver transplantation plays a vital role in managing advanced disease.