title: [Hepatitis B infection in children].
abstract: Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) infection is seen in 400 million persons worldwide. HBV is transmitted vertically or horizontally by infected blood and body fluids. An effective vaccine exists. Most children develop a chronic HBV infection if infected early in life. They are often in an immune-tolerant phase with no indication for antiviral treatment. Antiviral treatment with interferon or a nucleotide analogue is a possibility if the HBV infected child develops into a phase of immune activation. HBV infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
authors.affiliation: Gl. Strandvej 164, 3050 Humlebæk. brixchr@dadlnet.dk.
authors.forename: Vibeke Brix
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.forename: Sannie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nordly
authors.forename: Mette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kjær
authors.forename: Marianne Hørby
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Jørgensen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018450:Disease Progression; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents