Review
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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 7, 2014; 20(13): 3582-3589
Published online Apr 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i13.3582
What physicians should know about the management of chronic hepatitis B in children: East side story
Hun-Jee Choe, Byung-Ho Choe
Hun-Jee Choe, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, South Korea
Byung-Ho Choe, Department of Pediatrics, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700-721, South Korea
Author contributions: All authors contributed to this work.
Supported by Kyungpook National University Research Fund, 2012
Correspondence to: Byung-Ho Choe, MD, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Dongduk-Ro 200, Jung-Gu, Daegu 700-721, South Korea. bhchoe@knu.ac.kr
Telephone: +82-53-4205704 Fax: +82-53-4256683
Received: September 28, 2013
Revised: December 11, 2013
Accepted: January 8, 2014
Published online: April 7, 2014
Processing time: 187 Days and 15.6 Hours
Abstract

Understanding the natural course of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is very important for the management and treatment of chronic hepatitis B in children. Based on treatment guidelines, the management of HBV carriers and treatment of active hepatitis have been advancing and resulted in increased survival, as well as decreased risks of complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Development of a continuing medical education (CME) program for primary physicians becomes an important responsibility of pediatric hepatologists. CME could prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment that could lead to liver complications or antiviral resistance. In addition, education of patients and their parents is necessary to achieve better therapeutic outcomes.

Keywords: Hepatitis B virus; Natural course; Diagnosis; Treatment; Lamivudine; Resistance

Core tip: Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is very important for the management and treatment of chronic hepatitis B in children. Education of patients and their parents is necessary to achieve better therapeutic outcomes.