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Semin Liver Dis 2004; 24: 23-29
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-828675
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Overview of Treatment of Hepatitis B: Key Approaches and Clinical Challenges

Robert P. Perrillo1
  • 1Director, Academic Affairs, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Publication History

Publication Date:
11 June 2004 (online)

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The development of nucleoside analogues has been a major advance in the treatment of hepatitis B; however, prolonged monotherapy is associated with drug resistance. Currently, no data in humans indicate that a combination of nucleoside analogues leads to enhanced efficacy. New nucleoside analogues with greater inhibitory effects on hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication being developed could prove to be more effective or less likely to be associated with viral resistance. Interferon still has a role to play in the management of chronic HBV infection. Recent data indicate that the response to interferon may be determined in part by differences in genotype. From a theoretical perspective, a combination of pegylated interferon with one or more nucleosides could induce a higher rate of virological response. Additional studies are needed to further address these issues.

KEYWORDS

Hepatitis B - nucleoside analogues - interferon - antiviral therapy

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Robert P PerrilloM.D. 

Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation

1514 Jefferson Highway

New Orleans, LA 70121

Email: rperrillo@ochsner.org

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