title: [Periarteritis nodosa linked to the hepatitis B virus].
abstract: Periarteritis nodosa is a necrotizing vasculitis which, in more than one-third of the cases, is consecutive to an hepatitis B virus infection. This aetiological form is usually characterized by the absence of respiratory manifestations and by a greater frequency of hepatic cytolysis. In terms of survival, its prognosis is similar to that of other forms, but a persistent viral replication facilitates the subsequent development of chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis. Its modern treatment consists of a short course of corticosteroids combined with antiviral agent and plasma exchanges. Long-term corticosteroid therapy and immunodepressants are reserved for cases where the above-mentioned treatment has failed. This therapeutic approach results in a survival rate of 80 p. 100 at 4 years.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Guillevin
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010488:Polyarteritis Nodosa / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011379:Prognosis
vernacular_title: Périartérite noueuse liée au virus de l'hépatite B.