[Therapy of chronic hepatitis B].

Abstract

The aim of chronic hepatitis B therapy is to suppress hepatitis B virus replication, to control disease activity and progression towards cirrhosis. The first-line drug is the pegylated interferon a, which suppresses HBV replication in 40% of cases, albeit burdened with several contraindications and side effects. Lamivudine, a nucleoside analog inhibiting HBV reverse transcriptase, is indicated in case of failure or contraindication to interferon, may however lead to the selection of resistant mutant HBV strains (20% yearly). In that case, adefovir is indicated and has a lower risk of selection of resistant strains (5% yearly). More effective drugs (telbivudine and entecavir) will soon be available in Switzerland. Two inhibitors of HIV (tenofovir and emtricitabine) may also be used to treat hepatitis B in selected cases. Drug combinations, although supported by theoretical considerations, bring no known clinical benefit and are not reimbursed.

• Authors: F Negro, A Hadengue
• Journal: Revue medicale suisse (Rev Med Suisse) Vol. 2 Issue 77 Pg. 1981-2, 1984-5 (Sep 06 2006) ISSN: 1660-9379 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Le point sur le traitement antiviral de l'hépatite B chronique.
• PMID: 17007454 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents

Topics

• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Hepatitis B, Chronic (drug therapy)
• Humans