From the Guidelines
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that can be effectively prevented and managed with vaccination, safe practices, and antiviral treatment, as supported by recent studies 1, 2.
Cause and Risk Factors
The cause of Hepatitis B is the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Risk factors for HBV infection include:
- Unprotected sex with an infected person
- Sharing needles or syringes
- Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth
- Occupational exposure (healthcare workers)
- Sharing personal items with an infected person
Preventive Measures
Preventive measures for HBV infection include:
- Vaccination: The most effective prevention, with a series of 3 shots over 6 months recommended, as emphasized by the World Health Organization and supported by studies 3, 4.
- Practice safe sex: Use condoms consistently.
- Don't share needles or personal items like razors or toothbrushes.
- Follow standard precautions if you're a healthcare worker.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of HBV infection may include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Dark urine
- Joint pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) Note: Many people with acute hepatitis B are asymptomatic.
Treatment
Treatment for HBV infection depends on the stage of the disease:
- Acute hepatitis B: Usually doesn't require treatment, with rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids recommended.
- Chronic hepatitis B:
- Severe cases: Liver transplantation may be necessary.
Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent liver damage, as the virus can remain dormant for years before causing symptoms, emphasizing the importance of routine screening for at-risk individuals, as recommended by recent guidelines 3, 4.
From the FDA Drug Label
Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B (e.g., liver decompensation and liver failure) have been reported in HBV-infected individuals who have discontinued emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets. Individuals infected with HBV who discontinue emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets should be closely monitored with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months after stopping treatment If appropriate, anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted, especially in individuals with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis, since posttreatment exacerbation of hepatitis may lead to hepatic decompensation and liver failure. HBV-uninfected individuals should be offered vaccination.
The causes of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection are not directly stated in the provided drug labels. Risk factors for severe acute exacerbations of HBV infection include:
- Discontinuation of antiviral medication, such as emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets
- Advanced liver disease or cirrhosis
- Co-infection with HIV Preventive measures include:
- Vaccination for HBV-uninfected individuals
- Close monitoring of individuals infected with HBV who discontinue antiviral medication
- Anti-hepatitis B therapy for individuals with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis Signs and symptoms of severe acute exacerbations of HBV infection are not directly stated, but may include liver decompensation and liver failure. Treatment options include:
- Anti-hepatitis B therapy
- Close monitoring with clinical and laboratory follow-up 5 and 6
From the Research
Causes and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B (HBV) Infection
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic virus that can establish a persistent and chronic infection in humans through immune anergy 7
- The infection is most widely transmitted from the infected mother to a child, with infected blood and body fluids 8
- Pregnant women, adolescents, and all adults at high risk of chronic infection are recommended to be screened for hepatitis B infection 8
- An elevated serum hepatitis B virus DNA concentration is the main risk factor for disease progression 9
Preventive Measures for Hepatitis B (HBV) Infection
- Vaccination effectively prevents infection and chronic hepatitis B virus carriage 9
- Vaccination is recommended for all individuals, especially those at high risk of infection, such as healthcare workers and individuals with multiple sexual partners 7
Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis B (HBV) Infection
- Acute HBV infection can be either asymptomatic or present with symptomatic acute hepatitis 10
- Chronic HBV infection can lead to a wide spectrum of liver disease ranging from chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma 10
- Extrahepatic manifestations of HBV infection are rare but can be difficult to diagnose and manage 10
Treatment Options for Hepatitis B (HBV) Infection
- Antiviral medications, such as nucleos(t)ide analogs and pegylated interferons, are used to treat chronic hepatitis B infection 8, 7
- Long-term nucleos(t)ide-analogue therapy is safe and well tolerated, achieves potent viral suppression, and reduces the incidence of liver-related complications 9
- Novel compounds are being actively investigated to achieve the goal of HBV surface antigen seroclearance (functional cure) 7