Open AccessChallenges in the discontinuation of chronic hepatitis B antiviral agents
Author(s) -
Apichat Kaewdech,
Pimsiri Sripongpun
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
world journal of hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 55
ISSN - 1948-5182
DOI - 10.4254/wjh.v13.i9.1042
Subject(s) - medicine , discontinuation , chronic hepatitis , antiviral treatment , virology , hepatitis c , antiviral therapy , hepatitis , intensive care medicine , immunology , virus
Long-term antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients has been proven to be beneficial in reducing liver-related complications. However, lengthy periods of daily administration of medication have some inevitable drawbacks, including decreased medication adherence, increased cost of treatment, and possible long-term side effects. Currently, discontinuation of antiviral agent has become the strategy of interest to many hepatologists, as it might alleviate the aforementioned drawbacks and increase the probability of achieving functional cure. This review focuses on the current evidence of the outcomes following stopping antiviral treatment and the factors associated with subsequent hepatitis B virus relapse, hepatitis B surface antigen clearance, and unmet needs.