An update on the strategies used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in children. (3rd May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clemente, Maria Grazia; Vajro, Pietro
• Is Part Of: Expert review of gastroenterology & hepatology. Volume 10:Number 5(2016)
• Page Start: 649
• Page End: 658
• Publication Date: 2016-05-03
• Subjects: HBV infection -- antiviral therapy -- interferon -- entecavir -- children; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.3
• DOI: 10.1586/17474124.2016.1139450
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-4124

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in children shows a variety of clinical presentations, which influence its natural course and treatment options. This report provides an overview of the ongoing strategies in pediatric CHB management. Interferon-α represents the first choice of treatment in children showing HBV replication and hepatic inflammation (immune active CHB), while the recommendation is to monitor inactive/immune-tolerant children (normal transaminases and low/absent viral replication). When circumstances preclude the use of Interferon-α and in cases of compensated/decompensated cirrhosis, entecavir for children above 2 years of age or tenofovir for children above 12 years of age are the nucleos(t)ide analogues recommended by the most recent guidelines.