What are the consequences of long-term antiviral therapy for hepatitis B?
May 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
Hepatitis B refers to chronic viral hepatitis B. In general, long-term antiviral treatment for chronic viral hepatitis B may lead to consequences such as drug resistance, abnormal liver function, and immune dysregulation. Specifically, prolonged use of antiviral drugs may cause the hepatitis B virus to develop resistance to the medication, meaning that viral replication may no longer be effectively suppressed.
Hepatitis B refers to chronic viral hepatitis B. In general, long-term antiviral treatment for chronic viral hepatitis B may lead to consequences such as drug resistance, abnormal liver function, and immune dysregulation. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Development of drug resistance
Long-term use of antiviral drugs may cause the hepatitis B virus to develop resistance to the medication. This means that drugs originally effective may no longer suppress viral replication, necessitating a change or adjustment in the treatment regimen.
2. Abnormal liver function
Patients with chronic viral hepatitis B may sometimes experience abnormal liver function during prolonged antiviral therapy, such as elevated liver enzymes.
3. Immune dysregulation
Long-term use of antiviral drugs may have certain effects on the immune system, potentially reducing patients' immunity against other pathogens and increasing susceptibility to other infections.
In addition to the above consequences, long-term treatment may also increase financial burden. Moreover, although long-term antiviral therapy can reduce the risk of developing liver cancer, it does not completely eliminate this risk. Patients still require regular liver cancer screening, such as ultrasound examinations and blood biomarker monitoring.
