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Treatment of chronic hepatitis B in children: Current status

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Abstract

Acquisition of hepatitis B virus during infancy or childhood leads to the majority of chronic infections responsible for the morbidity associated with this disease. Although most of these infections do not manifest clinically for several decades, some children develop significant liver disease early in life, so some children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are candidates for treatment. Two medications are currently licensed for use in children, and it is anticipated that others will be available in the next several years. Issues regarding treatment of CHB in children include rationale for treatment, patient selection, and pros and cons of the current and expected therapeutic options.

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  1. Division of Gastroenterology, Children’s Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Maureen M. Jonas

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  1. Maureen M. Jonas
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Correspondence to Maureen M. Jonas.

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Jonas, M.M. Treatment of chronic hepatitis B in children: Current status. Curr hepatitis rep 7, 40–45 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11901-008-0020-4

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