title: [When and how to treat hepatitis B and C?].
abstract: The introduction of pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG-IFN-alpha) as well as lamivudine and adefovir has greatly improved the perspectives for patients with chronic hepatitis B. In addition, new nucleos(t)ide analogues are currently being evaluated and may allow the development of effective combination therapy regimens in the future. In the absence of resistance development, lamivudine reduces the risk of decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis. Current standard therapy of chronic hepatitis C, PEG-IFN-alpha combined with ribavirin, results in a sustained virologic response in 20-80% of patients, depending on the viral genotype and additional factors, such as ethnicity, fibrosis stage, body mass index, viral load, alcohol consumption, and coinfections. Novel antiviral strategies are currently being explored.
authors.affiliation: Toronto Western Hospital, Liver Clinic, 399 Bathurst St, Toronto, Ontario, M5ST 2S8, Canada. Isabelle.Pache@hospvd.ch
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pache
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hess
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Gonvers
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Moradpour
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000473:pathology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005838:Genotype; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents