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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 7, 2014; 20(33): 11595-11617
Published online Sep 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i33.11595
Published online Sep 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i33.11595
Chronic hepatitis B in 2014: Great therapeutic progress, large diagnostic deficit
Claus Niederau, Katholisches Klinikum Oberhausen GmbH, St. Josef Hospital, Klinik für Innere Medizin, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Duisburg-Essen, 46045 Oberhausen, Germany
Author contributions: Niederau C solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Claus Niederau, Professor, Katholisches Klinikum Oberhausen GmbH, St. Josef Hospital, Klinik für Innere Medizin, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Mülheimer Str. 83, 46045 Oberhausen, Germany. c.niederau@kk-ob.de
Telephone: + 49-208-8374501 Fax: +49-208-8374569
Received: September 16, 2013
Revised: January 3, 2014
Accepted: April 27, 2014
Published online: September 7, 2014
Revised: January 3, 2014
Accepted: April 27, 2014
Published online: September 7, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: This review analyzes progress and limitations of diagnosis, screening, and therapy of patients with chronic hepatitis B. Treatment can control viral replication in most patients today. It reduces risks for progression and may reverse fibrosis. However, screening recommendations have not been implemented, and the performance of hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance is poor. Many patients with chronic hepatitis B live in resource-constrained settings where effective drugs are not available. Despite the therapeutic progress, chronic hepatitis B remains a problem since many patients do not know of their disease. These problems may be overcome by raising awareness, promoting partnerships, and mobilizing resources.