Review of Current and Potential Treatments for Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Abstract: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health burden. Millions of people are at risk for complications of chronic HBV infection, despite […]

Overview of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation

G&H How is hepatitis B virus reactivation defined? RP Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a clinical syndrome that is characterized by a sudden increase in […]

Overview of Current and Emerging Treatments for Hepatitis B Virus Infection

G&H Have there been any recent trends in the incidence of hepatitis B virus infection in the United States? RK The incidence of hepatitis B […]

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in the Setting of Immunosuppressive Drug Therapy

Abstract: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global health burden, affecting an estimated 257 million people, and is associated with substantial morbidity and […]

Emerging Therapies Toward a Functional Cure for Hepatitis B Virus Infection

G&H Currently, what is the burden of hepatitis B virus infection in the United States? RK Population surveys have suggested that there are between 700,000 and […]

Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Organ Transplantation

Abstract: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains an important cause of liver disease and continues to present several unique challenges in organ transplantation despite the […]

New Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents and Immunomodulators for Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Abstract: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) affects over 350 million individuals worldwide and is the most common cause of liver cancer. In the United States, CHB […]

A Review of Antiviral Use for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Pregnant Women

Abstract: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains high even with the proper use of active-passive immunoprophylaxis in newborns. Mothers with significant viremia […]

Highlights in Hepatitis B Virus Treatment From the 2016 Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases

From the 2016 Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases November 11-15, 2016 • Boston, Massachusetts Tenofovir Alafenamide Is […]

Evolving New Strategies for the Medical Management of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Abstract: Is a cure for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection possible? Hepatitis C virus infection is now routinely cured medically. There is a growing expectation […]

Hepatitis B Virus–HIV Coinfection: Forgotten but Not Gone

Abstract: Owing to shared routes of transmission and common risk factors, coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV is common. As AIDS-related opportunistic infections […]

Strategies for the Prevention of Recurrent Hepatitis B Virus Infection After Liver Transplantation

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an international public health concern, and chronic infection can lead to the development of cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma as well as the need for liver transplantation. The recurrence of HBV infection following liver transplantation was disproportionately high prior to the introduction of proper prophylactic treatment. Risk factors associated with the recurrence of HBV infection posttransplant include hepatitis B e antigen positivity, high levels of serum HBV DNA, and the presence of an antiviral drug–resistant strain prior to transplantation. The prevention of HBV recurrence began with the introduction of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) in the early 1990s. Nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) antiviral drugs were next to be introduced and, in combination with HBIG, are considered to be extremely effective for the prevention of recurrence. Because of concerns with HBIG, whether HBIG can be used for a short time or discontinued altogether is under debate. All of the NA antiviral drugs have been proven to be effective against HBV, at least in the pretransplant setting, and can be used safely posttransplant. Further investigation is still needed to standardize treatment in the posttransplant setting.