Treatment of hepatitis B virus-infected patients: utility of therapeutic recommendations in developing countries.
BACKGROUND
The treatment of individuals infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a complex issue in practical settings, despite the explosion of new and effective antiviral agents.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the scope and limitations of ongoing treatment guidelines against HBV from a global perspective.


METHODS
Present therapeutic guidelines against HBV have been discussed with emphasis on their value in developing countries that harbor about 90% of the total number of global patients who are infected with HBV.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of HBV-infected patients should be appropriately followed up and healthcare delivery systems should be able to combat treatment-induced adverse side effects. Current therapeutic guidelines should be optimized based on the socio-economic conditions of developing countries.
Akbar
Sheikh Mohammad Fazle
SM
Department of Medical Sciences, Toshiba General Hospital, 6-3-22 Higashi Oi, Shinagawa, Tokyo 140-8522, Japan. sheikh.akbar@po.toshiba.co.jp
Hiasa
Yoichi
Y
Mishiro
Shunji
S
Onji
Morikazu
M
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003906:Developing Countries; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004337:Drug Carriers