Abstract:
Hepatitis Delta is the most severe form of viral hepatitis
in humans. The hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) is a defective
RNA virus, which requires the hepatitis B virus (HBV)
surface antigen (HBsAg) for complete replication and
transmission. Several studies have shown that chronic
HDV infection leads to more severe liver diseases than
chronic HBV mono-infection, with an accelerated course
of fi brosis progression, possibility of a slightly increased
risk of hepatocellular carcinoma development and early
decompensation in the setting of established cirrhosis.
Only interferon-alfa treatment has been shown to exert
some antiviral activity against HDV and has been linked
to improve the clinical long-term outcome. Data on the
use of PEGylated interferon (PEG-IFN) confi rm earlier
fi ndings, leading to prolonged virological off-treatment
responses in about one quarter of patients, but long-term
HDV RNA relapses may occur. HBsAg clearance should
be the preferred endpoint of interferon-based therapies
of HDV. Alternative treatment options including HBV
entry inhibitors and prenylation inhibitors are currently
in early clinical development.
Description:
Отделение по лечению заболеваний печени,
частная клиника Гранд Госпиталь, Кафедра внутренних болезней
Педиатрического факультета,
Азербайджанский Медицинский Университет
