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Regression of fibrosis after HBV antiviral therapy. Is cirrhosis reversible?
Author(s) -
Calvaruso Vincenza,
Craxì Antonio
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/liv.12395
Subject(s) - cirrhosis , medicine , gastroenterology , hepatitis b virus , fibrosis , liver function , antiviral therapy , hepatitis b , virus , chronic hepatitis , immunology
Abstract Long‐lasting HBV ‐ DNA suppression is considered to be the best surrogate end‐point of antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis B virus ( HBV ) related chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, and it is a prerequisite to prevent liver‐related complications and improve survival. Treatment with oral antiviral drugs in patients with HBV cirrhosis is effective in restoring liver function and improving survival even in those with decompensated cirrhosis. These agents are generally well‐tolerated for long‐term treatment, and several evidences have demonstrated that they are able to reverse liver fibrosis and prevent the occurrence of HCC .