Treatment, recovery possibilities, and preventive measures for hepatitis B
In the United States, approximately 25% of people with hepatitis B virus (HBV) have received a diagnosis. HBV is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, which can be difficult to diagnose early but a blood test can detect it.
Most people recover from HBV infection within a few months, but for those who develop chronic HBV, the condition can lead to serious health complications such as liver failure, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and reactivated HBV.
Doctors may recommend a hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) to help prevent infection. If a person has already contracted HBV, the primary treatment options currently include long-term antiviral therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogues such as tenofovir or entecavir. These oral medications effectively suppress viral replication, reduce liver damage, and improve survival. Pegylated interferon is also used in some cases, although it is less commonly prescribed due to side effects and variable efficacy.
The goals of therapy for chronic HBV include suppressing HBV DNA replication to undetectable levels, reducing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels, and slowing progression to cirrhosis and decreasing the risk of liver cancer.
Emerging strategies for HBV treatment include novel therapeutic vaccines like TherVacB and cutting-edge gene-editing approaches targeting the viral cccDNA for a potential cure. Recently, an FDA-cleared in vivo gene-editing trial aims to target and eliminate cccDNA and integrated HBV DNA, potentially offering a curative approach by addressing HBV’s root cause rather than just suppressing replication.
It is important to note that regular monitoring is crucial for people with chronic HBV. This includes regular assessment of viral load, liver function, and liver cancer screening depending on disease stage and risk factors. In acute exacerbations or symptomatic phases, management focuses on symptom relief, maintaining hydration, and nutritional support.
In cases of cirrhosis or liver cancer, options include surgery, chemotherapy, or liver transplantation where feasible, with varied outcomes based on healthcare setting.
People who have come into contact with the bodily fluids of someone with HBV should contact a healthcare professional immediately. If a person thinks they have been in contact with the bodily fluids of someone with HBV, they should see a doctor immediately.
While there is currently no cure for HBV, people living with the condition can expect to live a long and healthy life with regular monitoring by a doctor. Early diagnosis of HBV is important as the earlier a person receives treatment, the less likely they are to have experienced liver damage.
References: 1. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 2. Hepatology 3. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology 4. Journal of Hepatology 5. Journal of Viral Hepatitis
- In the realms of science and medical-conditions, emerging treatments like novel therapeutic vaccines and gene-editing approaches are being studied for hepatitis B virus (HBV), aiming to provide a cure beyond the current antiviral therapies that only suppress replication.
- Beyond diagnosis and treatment, health-and-wellness guidelines advise regular monitoring for people with hepatitis B, including assessments of viral load, liver function, and liver cancer screening, as managing chronic HBV is essential to slow its progression and decrease the risk of complications such as liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
