The role of antiviral agents in the management of viral hepatitis

Abstract

Antivirals have a proven role for treatment of chronic hepatitis B and both acute and chronic hepatitis C infection Antivirals may have a role for selected cases of acute hepatitis B infection Antiviral therapy can prevent the development of cirrhosis and may reduce the risk for development of liver cancer in both hepatitis B and C infection Antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B comprises either alpha-interferon (IFN) or nucleos(t)ide analogues Treatment of hepatitis B aims to maintain low levels of viral replication; cure (viral eradication) is rarely achieved Antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis comprises the combination of alpha-interferon and ribavirin Treatment of hepatitis C aims to eradicate infection.