Which treatment options are validated for chronic viral hepatitis?

Internist (Berl). 2013 Nov 22. [Epub ahead of print]

[Article in German]

Höner Zu Siederdissen C, Manns MP, Cornberg M.

Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Zentrum Innere Medizin, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the last 10 years, a dramatic change has occurred in the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis, particularly in the area of hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVES: Which treatment options of viral hepatitis are scientifically validated and can be recommended for practical use in consideration of current studies on the treatment of viral hepatitis and the German and European guidelines, respectively.

CURRENT DATA: The treatment of chronic hepatitis B continues to be based either on a long-term therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogues or a finite therapy with pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN). Treatment of hepatitis D is also based on PEG-IFN; however, the relapse rate is high. The treatment of hepatitis C is currently based on the combination of PEG-IFN and ribavirin (RBV). To estimate the optimal duration of therapy and dosage, knowledge of previous treatments, genotype, and presence of cirrhosis is crucial. For genotype 1, the first direct acting antiviral drugs were approved in 2011. These drugs led to a significant increase in treatment success. In the upcoming years another dramatic change in the treatment of hepatitis C is anticipated, including an improved side effect profile, increased efficacy, and a greater degree of customization in difficult-to-treat patients. Acute hepatitis E is usually self-limiting, but can become chronic in immunocompromised patients, i.e., after organ transplantation. Reduction of immunosuppression may clear HEV and RBV shows antiviral efficacy.

CONCLUSION: Currently available therapies have a high disease control or chance for cure in hepatitis B and C. In Hepatitis C treatment, a massive change in future therapies is foreseeable. The hepatitis D co-infection remains difficult to treat. For hepatitis E, RBV is a promising off-label treatment option.

PMID: 24258199 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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