Expanding the indications for antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B: Advantages and disadvantages
10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2023.01.003
- VernacularTitle:扩大慢性乙型肝炎抗病毒治疗适应证：利大于弊
- Author:
Chao HAN
1
;
Xiaoguang DOU
1
Author Information
1. Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China
- Publication Type:Discussions by Experts
- Keywords:
Hepatitis B, Chronic;
Therapeutics;
Indication
- From:
Journal of Clinical Hepatology
2023;39(1):22-26
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a chronic progressive disease caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), and without timely and effective antiviral therapy, it will eventually develop into liver cirrhosis, liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Early initiation of antiviral therapy can prevent or delay disease progression and greatly reduce the incidence rates of liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and HCC. Due to the limited efficacy of current antiviral drugs, the indications for antiviral therapy are mainly applicable to patients with positive HBV DNA and persistent ALT abnormality and some special populations with HBV infection. However, some patients who cannot reach the criteria for antiviral therapy may have insidious disease progression, leading to adverse clinical outcomes. Therefore, the guidelines and consensus statements in China and globally are constantly expanding the indications for antiviral therapy for CHB, so as to bring benefits to more patients.
