Managing Chronic HBV
All patients with chronic hepatitis B infections, including children and adults, should be monitored regularly since they are at increased risk for developing cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
Early intervention with the current treatments may benefit patients with signs of active liver disease. Screening and vaccination of family members is also recommended.
Adults with Chronic Hepatitis B
Six-month visits are standard, but more frequent visits may be required for some patients. Visits usually include:
- Physical exam
- Blood tests for hepatitis B markers
- Blood tests for LFTs and AFP
- Ultrasound imaging of the liver
Read the Guidelines for Managing Adults with Chronic Hepatitis B for specific recommendations.
New! 
Management
of Chronic Hepatitis B: A New Treatment Algorithm from a
Panel of US Experts Clinical Gastroenterology and
Hepatology (October 2008)
Children with Chronic Hepatitis B
In general, the recommendations for children are the same as for adults - visits are typically every six months or once a year. Visits usually include a physical exam, HBV blood tests, AFP and LFT blood tests, and possible ultrasound imaging.
Further Reading
The following publications include specific recommendations for managing children with chronic hepatitis B.
The Pediatric
Hepatitis Report, has comprehensive information about
the management and treatment of children with chronic hepatitis
B. Published by Parents
of Kids with Infectious Diseases (PKIDs).
"Management
of Chronic Hepatitis B in Children", Hari S. Conjeevaram,
M.D., Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, U. of
Michigan. Published by the Immunization
Action Coalition.
"What
the Physician Can Do To Help the Child with Chronic Hepatitis
B Virus Infection", Sarah Jane Schwarzenberg,
M.D., Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology/Hepatology,
U. of Minnesota. Published by the Immunization
Action Coalition
