Therapy of chronic viral hepatitis.
Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), the delta agent (HDV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) carries high risks of chronic liver disease which can result in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Many antiviral agents have been tried to inhibit viral replication and thereby limit infectivity and the risks of eventual serious liver disease. Interferon offers a 30-40% chance of viral clearance to the hepatitis B carrier, offers a good chance of clinical response in parenterally acquired chronic non-A non-B hepatitis and may be of benefit for some patients with chronic delta infection.
Main
J
J
Department of Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, London, UK.
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D003699:Hepatitis D / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007372:Interferons; D011239:Prednisolone