Goals of therapy in patients with CHB.

Abstract

Despite the development of a number of antiviral agents for treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B, the treatment of chronic hepatitis B continues to be a challenge for physicians due to the high burden of the disease and the limited efficacy of available therapy. The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate or suppress HBV in order to decrease pathogenicity and infectivity, and reduce hepatic necroinflammation. Clinically, the short-term goal of treatment is to reduce hepatic activity, to prevent the development of hepatic decompensation, to ensure loss of HBeAg (with seroconversion to anti-HBe) and/or HBV-DNA with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization at the end or 6-12 months after the end of treatment. The long-term goals are eradication of infection, prevent progression to cirrhosis, prevent development of HCC, and ultimately prolong survival. This review discusses the goals of therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B.