Chronic viral hepatitis is the principal cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In Korea, of the known hepatits viruses, two can chronic hepatitis: the hepatits B virus(HBV) and the hepatits C virus(HCV).
In chronic ...
Chronic viral hepatitis is the principal cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In Korea, of the known hepatits viruses, two can chronic hepatitis: the hepatits B virus(HBV) and the hepatits C virus(HCV).
In chronic hepatitis B, a 4-6 month course of interferon alfa is effective in inducing clearlance of HBV DNA and HBeAg from serum and an improvement in serum transaminase concentration. New approaches to theraphy for hepatitis B include lamivudine and famiciclovir.
In chronic hepatitis C, characterized by an indolent course, but with the potential for development of serious consequences. At present, the only approved agent is interferon alfa, with a sustained biochemical response rate of 10-22%. New approach to therapy for hepatitis C include combination theraphy with interferon alfa and ribavirin.
In this article, strategies for treatment development of chronic B hepatitis and chronic C hepatitis are reviewed.