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Patients should be supported and monitored until they recover or until prognostic factors indicate a liver transplant is necessary. Liver transplantation is the only definitive cure in cases of liver failure.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis is geared towards reducing inflammation, symptoms, and infectivity. Recombinant alpha interferon, currently the only approved antiviral agent for hepatitis, converts 37 percent of patients from the replicative phase to non-replicative phase. However, it is ineffective in most patients, very expensive, and causes some adverse effects. These include a flu-like syndrome, fever, chills, malaise, muscle aches, and rigors ('shakes'). Currently, trials are underway in Europe for natural interferon, which has fewer side effects and is more effective. Liver transplantation is used to treat end-stage chronic hepatitis B liver disease.
Support Groups:
If you would like additional support, a group where members share common experiences and problems can help. See liver disease - support group.
Expectations (prognosis):
The acute illness usually subsides after 2 to 3 weeks, and the liver returns to normal within 16 weeks. 10% of people infected may develop chronic hepatitis. There is a higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in those who have had hepatitis B virus infection than in the general population. Hepatitis B is fatal in approximately 1% of cases of acute hepatitis B.
Complications:
- Chronic hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
Calling your Health Care Provider:
- Call your health care provider if symptoms of hepatitis B develop.
- Call for an appointment with your health care provider if hepatitis B symptoms do not resolve in 2 or 3 weeks, or if new symptoms develop.
- Call your provider if you belong to a high risk group for hepatitis B and have not yet been vaccinated against the disease. Remember that vaccination is safe and free of adverse effects.
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