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[Therapy of viral hepatitis]
1Abteilung Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|April 18, 1998
Summary
Interferon alpha is the primary treatment for chronic viral hepatitis, offering sustained response in 25-40% of hepatitis B and 10-25% of hepatitis C cases. New drugs like Lamivudine and Ribavirin are under clinical evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Internal Medicine
Context:
- Chronic viral hepatitis significantly impacts medical care and socioeconomic factors.
- It is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can lead to chronic hepatitis, unlike Hepatitis A and E which cause acute illness.
Purpose:
- To reduce or normalize elevated transaminases.
- To decrease serologic markers of active viral replication.
- To improve liver histology and prevent chronic hepatitis complications.
Summary:
- Interferon alpha is the only drug with proven efficacy for chronic viral hepatitis.
- Sustained response rates are 25-40% for Hepatitis B and 10-25% for Hepatitis C.
- Emerging therapies include Lamivudine and Famciclovir for HBV, and Ribavirin with Interferon alpha for HCV.
Impact:
- Effective therapy reduces liver damage and prevents serious complications.
- Improved treatment outcomes can lessen the socioeconomic burden of viral hepatitis.
- Ongoing research into new antivirals promises better therapeutic options.