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  • Hepatitis B Foundation expresses appreciation for the work of Dr. Ding-Shinn Chen with the announcement of his death

    Doylestown, Pa., June 25, 2020 - The Hepatitis B Foundation today is expressing its profound sadness at the passing of Dr. Ding-Shinn Chen, distinguished professor of the National Taiwan University College of Medicine. “He was one of the field’s giants,” said Dr. Timothy Block, president and co-founder of the Hepatitis B Foundation. “While we grieve losing Prof. Chen, we also are grateful for all he did for those living with hepatitis B.” Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen this week praised Chen as instrumental in promoting Taiwan's 1986 universal hepatitis B vaccination program, which reduced deaths to HBV disease by more than 95% and helped establish the relationship between HBV and liver cancer. For these accomplishments, the Hepatitis B foundation honored Prof. Chen in 2018 with its most prestigious award, the Baruch S. Blumberg Prize. Prof. Chen traveled to the Hepatitis B Foundation in Doylestown PA, to receive the award.   Named in honor of Dr. Baruch S. Blumberg, who discovered HBV and received the 1977 Nobel Prize in Medicine, The Baruch S. Blumberg Prize is considered the “Nobel Prize” of hepatitis B research. It is the highest honor bestowed by the Hepatitis B Foundation, and is given in appreciation for outstanding contributions made by an individual to significantly advance the science and medicine of hepatitis B.  Drs. Chen and Blumberg were friends and colleagues.

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/hepatitis-b-foundation-expresses-appreciation-for-the-work-of-dr-ding-shinn-chen-with-the-announcement-of-his-death/
  • HBV Journal Review – September 2013

    HBF is pleased to connect our blog readers to Christine Kukka’s monthly HBV Journal Review that she writes for the HBV Advocate. The journal presents the
latest in hepatitis B research, treatment, and prevention from recent academic and medical journals. This month, the following topics are explored: 39.2% of U.S. Newborns Aren't Getting Hepatitis B Vaccine at Birth Researchers Suggest Banning or Restricting Lamivudine to Avoid Drug Resistance Knowledge Gap About Hepatitis B Persists Among Asian-Americans Even Liver Specialists Fail to Immunize Patients Against Viral Hepatitis Many Seek Viral Hepatitis Tests Only When Symptoms Appear After Six Years of Tenofovir Treatment, Still No Signs of Drug Resistance More Studies Examine Link Between Vitamin D and Liver Damage Study Examines Which Hepatitis B Patients Relapse with Chemotherapy Interferon Treatment May Cause Some Hearing Loss African-Americans Suffer the Highest Rates of New HBV Infections in the U.S. HBV Journal Review September 1, 2013 Volume 10, Issue 8 by Christine M. Kukka     39.2% of U.S. Newborns Aren't Getting Hepatitis B Vaccine at Birth Which newborns aren't getting immunized against hepatitis B in the U.S.? The infants who: • Do not have health insurance • Live in states without a universal hepatitis B vaccine supply policy • And have only one provider who administered vaccines. According to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, published in the August issue of the journal Preventive Medicine, an alarming 39.2% of newborns missed the first, critical birth dose of hepatitis B vaccination that can protect newborns from hepatitis B even if their mothers are infected. These results come from data analysis of the 2009 National Immunization Survey of 17,053 U.S. children, aged 19-35 months. "Children who reside in states without a universal hepatitis B vaccine supply policy, and are not covered by health insurance are two important modifiable risk factors for

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/hbv-journal-review-september-2013/
  • HBV Journal Review - July 2013

    HBF is pleased to connect our blog readers to Christine Kukka's monthly HBV Journal Review that she writes for the HBV Advocate. The journal presents the latest in hepatitis B research, treatment, and prevention from recent academic and medical journals. This month, the following topics are explored: *Experts Describe When to Treat Pregnant Women with Antivirals Does pregnancy worsen hepatitis B? When should pregnant women be treated? Which antivirals are safe to use during pregnancy? What if women have elevated ALTs before becoming pregnant and have never         been treated? What about women with normal ALTs and high viral loads? Is it safe to use antivirals during the entire pregnancy? Monitoring recommendations after delivery Can a woman taking antivirals breastfeed? * Half of Patients Treated Long-Term with Tenofovir Lose HBeAg *Even Patients with High Viral Load Lose HBeAg with Tenofovir *New Type of Interferon Effective in Phase 2 Hepatitis B Trial *Majority of Hepatitis B Patients Have Vitamin D Deficiency *But Patients with Healthy Vitamin D Levels Are More Likely to Clear HBsAg *Activists Develop a National Plan to Eradicate Hepatitis B in the U.S. *New Guidelines Urge Britain's Doctors to Improve Hepatitis B Care *Measuring HBsAg Levels May Identify Fibrosis and Avoid Liver Biopsies *HBsAg Levels May Also Predict Cancer Risk in HBeAg-negative Patients HBV Journal Review
 July 1, 2013, Vol 10, no 7 by Christine M. Kukka Experts Describe When to Treat Pregnant Women with Antivirals Two U.S. hepatitis B experts have crafted guidelines for doctors to use when deciding when to treat pregnant women infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) with antivirals in order to safeguard the women's health and prevent infection of newborns. More than half of new hepatitis B infections result from mother-to-child (vertical) transmission and despite immediate immunization and administration of HBIG (hepatitis antibodies), about 30% of infants born to women

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/hbv-journal-review-july-2013-2/
  • High HBV Viral Load Tied to Low Serum Vitamin D Levels

    An interesting study published in Healio Hepatology:  "High HBV viral load tied to low serum vitamin D levels" discusses the relationship between the HBV viral load and vitamin D levels. In fact is shows seasonal fluctuations of HBV viral load associated with vitamin D levels. Vitamin D has been on the radar for years, but this interesting correlation between HBV virus flucuations and vitamin D levels warrants additional research to investigate how adequate vitamin D levels can positively impact treatment for those living with chronic HBV. Please refer to earlier blogs, Hepatitis B and Vitamin D and Got HBV? Adding Vitamin D to Your Diet for additional information.  As always, please talk to your doctor and have your serum vitamin D levels checked before making any drastic changes to your diet or supplements you may be taking. Don't forget that vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin, so be sure to keep in mind the impact of the seasons on your levels.  Patients with chronic hepatitis B who also were vitamin D deficient had significantly higher HBV DNA levels than patients with adequate vitamin D concentrations in a recent study. In a retrospective study, researchers measured the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in 203 treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B seen between January 2009 and December 2012. Patients with 25OHD levels less than10 ng/mL were considered severely deficient, levels below 20 ng/mL were considered deficient, and levels of 20 ng/mL or greater were considered adequate. Patients’ samples were collected upon initial presentation, except 29 participants whose samples were taken at antiviral therapy initiation. The mean 25OHD concentration for the cohort was 14.4 ng/mL. Forty-seven percent of participants were considered 25OHD deficient; 34% were severely deficient. 25OHD levels were similar between Caucasians (14.38 ng/mL) and non-Caucasians (14.59 ng/mL) (P=.7). An inverse correlation was observed between levels of HBV DNA

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/high-hbv-viral-load-tied-to-low-serum-vitamin-d-levels/
  • HBV Journal Review - June 2013

    HBF is pleased to connect our blog readers to Christine Kukka's monthly HBV Journal Review that she writes for the HBV Advocate. The journal presents the latest in hepatitis B research, treatment, and prevention from recent academic and medical journals. This month, the following topics are explored: • U.S. Doctors Failing to Treat Patients Who Need Treatment • Doctors Say Poor Training and Limited Resources Contribute to Substandard Care • More Proof—Many Patients with Slightly Elevated ALTs Have Fibrosis • Tenofovir Reduces Viral Load in HBeAg-Positive Patients Faster than Entecavir • Researchers Find Tenofovir Does Not Damage Kidneys • Tenofovir and Entecavir Highly Effective—If Taken as Prescribed • Family History of Liver Cancer Boosts Cancer Risk to 15.8% Among HBV-Infected • Vitamin D Deficiencies Found in People with High Viral Loads • More Evidence Shows Breastfeeding Does Not Transmit HBV Infection • Cesareans Do Not Reduce Mother-to-Child HBV Infection • 2% of HBV Genotype D Adults Lose HBsAg Annually HBV Journal Review June 1, 2013, Vol 10, no 6 by Christine M. Kukka U.S. Doctors Failing to Treat Patients Who Need Treatment Fewer than 50% of patients infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) who need treatment get antivirals or interferon from their primary care doctors and fewer than 70% of patients who go to university liver clinics get appropriate treatment, according to research presented at the Digestive Disease Week medical conference held in Orlando in May. Stanford University researchers conducted a real-life study to see what percentage of 1,976 hepatitis B patients treated in various clinical settings over four years received treatment. They used current medical guidelines when evaluating whether patients received appropriate treatment. Continue reading about this and additional studies...                    

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/hbv-journal-review-june-2013/
  • U.S. Schools and Education

    Having hepatitis B should not impact your education. However, we realize that people with hepatitis B often face discriminatory practices. In the U.S. education system, this primarily impacts those seeking education and training to become health care providers – students entering higher education to become physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and even x-ray and ultrasonography technicians. In some instances, it can also impact students who are asked to submit medical records when applying to private primary or secondary schools. It is important to know your rights so that if you, or someone you know, faces a discriminatory situation, you can appropriately respond.   What we are doing: In the U.S., people with hepatitis B are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The Hepatitis B Foundation is proud to have played a key role in a landmark settlement by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2013, which ruled that a medical school had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when they denied applicants because they had hepatitis B. The settlement confirmed that in the U.S., individuals seeking education and training in the health professions cannot be denied admission, threatened with dismissal, or have their higher education or professional training hindered/altered in any way because of their hepatitis B diagnosis. This was the first ADA settlement reached by the Justice Department on behalf of people with hepatitis B. The settlement was reached based on the strength of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations for hepatitis B-infected health care providers and students, which were updated in 2012 with the support and input of HBF. These recommendations confirm that having hepatitis B is not a reason to deny or dismiss a person from studying or practicing a healthcare profession – or to put undue constraints on a person’s clinical training or practice. The recommendations offer strategies for the management of hepatitis B–infected healthcare providers and students. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urges all schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, and other health-related schools to use the CDC recommendations to ensure nondiscrimination at their institution. Together, the DOJ ruling, the CDC recommendations and the HHS letter offer guidelines for how health-related schools and healthcare institutions in the U.S. can comply with federal anti-discrimination law, protect the rights of students and health care workers with hepatitis B, and prevent transmission.   What to do if you are facing discrimination: Unfortunately, U.S. schools that offer education and training for health care providers often still have discriminatory policies or practices - and some schools have no hepatitis B-related policies at all, or policies that are outdated. Actions are too often guided by misperceptions and fear. Lack of knowledge about prevention and treatment of HBV infection has led to discriminatory practices. These practices can include (but are not limited to): Requiring proof of hepatitis B surface antibody for enrollment, or initiation/completion of clinical rotations; Requiring hepatitis B testing and denying enrollment or initiation/completion of clinical rotations for those testing hepatitis B surface antigen positive; Putting limitations on clinical experiences that are not aligned with CDC recommendations, for students who test surface hepatitis B surface antigen positive. If you have hepatitis b and are pursuing a career in the health professions in the United States, it important to do your homework before you apply to schools. You should contact schools you are interested in and find out what their policies are regarding the bullets above – do they require proof of hepatitis B surface antibody status, and will they use that information to make negative decisions about your admission or training? Ask if they have a policy for managing students with hepatitis B, and ask to see the policy in advance of applying. If they don’t have a policy, ask to see, in writing, how they manage students with hepatitis B. If you are concerned that these questions might impact admission, you can ask your questions anonymously. If you feel that a school might have a discriminatory policy or practice, or if you are experiencing direct discrimination at a school in the U.S., you can respond in a few ways: Contact the highest-level person you can within the program, and provide them with the information and documents provided above – you can educate the school about current recommendations, and ask them to change their policies to reflect the law. You can talk to your hepatitis B doctor to become part of the conversation – doctors often write letters to schools on behalf of patients. You can seek a Disability Rights Attorney to assist you. You can contact the Hepatitis B Foundation at discrimination@hepb.org for help working with the school. We can assist with obtaining the school’s HBV policy and educating officials at the school on the law. Most powerfully, you can file a complaint with the Department of Justice. Once a complaint is received, the DOJ can investigate into the school’s policies to assess whether they are discriminatory. You can use the information on our site to help advocate for yourself, report your experience with discrimination on the Hepatitis B Foundation's Discrimination Registry.   For Health Profession Schools in the U.S. All schools/programs in the U.S. that provide training for a health profession must adhere to the antidiscrimination guidelines set by the ADA. If you represent a school, it is recommended that you create policies and practices based upon three important documents: The 2012 CDC MMWR recommendations, the 2013 DOJ settlement, and the 2013 HHS letter to all health professions schools. These documents will help assess your current hepatitis B-related anti-discrimination policies and bring them up to date and into compliance. It is important that schools accurately understand their responsibility to students with hepatitis B, and to base policies and practice on sound scientific evidence as well as legal requirements. As a result of the broad adoption of universal (standard) infection control precautions in the medical care setting, and the ever-increasing use of the HBV vaccine, the risk of provider-to-patient transmission of HBV has become negligible. The 2013 CDC recommendations report that “since 1991, no transmission of HBV has been reported in the United States or other developed countries from primary care providers, clinicians, medical or dental students, residents, nurses, other health-care providers, or any others who would not normally perform exposure-prone procedures.” As stated in the MMWR recommendations, “HBV infection alone should not disqualify infected persons from the practice or study of surgery, dentistry, medicine, or allied health fields.” The recommendations go further to explicitly address the issue of medical and dental students with chronic HBV infection. Ultimately, CDC concludes that “for most chronically HBV-infected providers and students who conform to current standards for infection control, HBV infection status alone does not require any curtailing of their practices or supervised learning experiences.” According to CDC, those who perform non- or minimally-invasive procedures do not require special panel oversight, and their HBV disease should be managed as any other personal health issue would be managed. The updated CDC recommendations were reviewed by the Consult Subcommittee of the CDC Public Health Ethics Committee which “determined that there was no scientific or ethical basis for the restrictions that some medical and dental schools have placed on HBV-infected students and concluded that such restrictions were detrimental to the professions as well as to the individual students.” Using evidence and guidance from the CDC, DOJ and HHS documents provided here, you can develop policies and practices at your school that offer the highest protection for students and patients alike. If you need assistance with developing policies, you can contact the Hepatitis B Foundation at discrimination@hepb.org or 215-489-4900 for more information.  

    https://www.hepb.org/resources-and-support/know-your-rights/schools-and-education/
  • Support Edwin Tan's Tri for a Cure

    Edwin Tan Meet Edwin Tan! After he was diagnosed with hepatitis B five years ago, Edwin committed to becoming healthier. Now, he is training for a series of 6 races—triathlons, a marathon and an ironman—to raise money and awareness for hepatitis B research, patient outreach and education.  All together, Edwin is racing over 336 miles this summer to shine a spotlight on hepatitis B! "I am excited to bring attention to hepatitis B throughout my race season," Edwin said. "I want to show that Hep B is not a condition that debilitates someone and that we can triumph through adversity. I want to be a positive example against the stigma associated with Hep B and the shame that some people may feel for having it. Completing an Ironman, which is regarded as one of the most difficult one day athletic events, serves as a good example that we each can accomplish anything we want as long as we believe in ourselves." Support his efforts by making a donation today!   Edwin's Race Schedule: June 16: Minnetonka Triathlon, Minnetonka, MNJune 22: Grandma's Marathon, Duluth, MNJuly 27: Hoot Lake Triathlon, Hoot Lake, MNAugust 3: Tour de Tonka, West Metro, MNAugust 25: Chicago Triathlon, Chicago, ILSeptember 8: Ironman Wisconsin, Madison, WI    Check out these updates on Edwin's progress: #Tri4ACure: Racing For Hepatitis B Awareness, Cure Research, and Health #Tri4ACure: From Hepatitis B Diagnosis to Advocating for a Cure

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/tri-for-a-cure/
  • HBsAg Levels Linked with Fibrosis in HBeAg-Positive Patients

    Below is a publication from “Healio Hepatology, February 21, 2013 – HbsAg Levels Linked with Fibrosis in HBeAg-Positive Patients” , showing the correlation between HBsAg and HBV DNV virus levels and the risk of moderate to severe fibrosis in HBeAg positive patients. Patients with hepatitis B who tested positive for hepatitis B e antigen were at increased risk for moderate-to-severe fibrosis with lower levels of hepatitis B surface antigen in a recent study. Researchers evaluated serum samples and liver biopsy results from 406 treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B. HBV genotype and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status were recorded along with levels of HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). HBeAg-positive patients (n=101) had a higher mean fibrosis stage than HBeAg-negative patients (1.86 ± 1.18 vs. 1.40 ± 0.99; P<.001) and had greater levels of HBV DNA (7.06 ± 1.71 vs. 4.12 ± 1.67)and HBsAg (4.24 ± 0.9 vs. 3.53 ± 0.92) (P<.0001 for both). Investigators observed strong correlations between HBV DNA and HBsAg levels (r=0.44; P<.0001) and between fibrosis severity and HBsAg levels (r=0.43; P<.0001) among HBeAg-positive patients, but not among HBeAg-negative participants. HBeAg-positive patients with moderate-to-severe fibrosis had lower HBsAg (3.84 ± 1.01 vs. 4.63 ± 0.58; P<.0001)and HBV DNA levels (6.47 ± 1.81 vs. 7.62 ± 1.40; P<.001) than those with mild or no fibrosis. HBeAg-positive patients with genotypes B, D or E had significantly higher HBsAg levels than HBeAg-negative patients, along with higher HBV DNA levels regardless of genotype. Modeling analysis established an HBsAg cutoff of 3.85 log IU/mL-1 with a theoretical sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 86% and NPV of 100% for predicting moderate-to-severe fibrosis among HBeAg-positive patients with genotypes B or C. Investigators noted that the small cohort size used to establish this cutoff requires further validation to be clinically useful. “To our

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/hbsag-levels-linked-with-fibrosis-in-hbeag-positive-patients/

  • Pamumuhay nang May Hepatitis B  Gagaling ba ako mula sa hepatitis B na impeksyon?Karamihan sa mga malulusog na nasa hustong gulang na bagong nahawa ay gagaling nang walang anumang problema. Ngunit ang mga sanggol at bata ay maaaring hindi matagumpay na malabanan ang virus. Mga Nasa Hustong Gulang – 90% ng mga malulusog na nasa wastong gulang ay malalabanan ang virus at gagaling nang walang anumang problema. 10% ay magkakaron ng talamak na hepatitis B. Mga Bata – Hanggang 50% ng mga bata sa pagitan ng 1 at 5 taong gulang na nahawa ay magkakaroon ng talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon. Mga Sanggol – 90% ay magkakaroon ng talamak na impeksyon; 10% lamang ang malalabanan ang virus. Ano ang pagkakaiba sa pagitan ng isang “malubha” at isang “talamak” na hepatitis B na impeksyon?Ang hepatitis B na impeksyon ay itinuturing na “malubha” sa unang 6 na buwan pagkatapos malantad sa virus. Ito ang katampatang haba ng panahon na kinakailangan upang gumaling mula sa hepatitis B na impeksyon. Kung masuri ka pa ring positibo sa hepatitis B na virus (HBsAg+) pagkatapos ng 6 na buwan, ikaw ay itinuturing na mayroong “talamak” na hepatitis B na impeksyon, na maaaring tumagal habang buhay. Magkakasakit ba ako kung mayroon akong malubhang hepatitis B?Itinuturing na “tahimik na impeksyon” ang hepatitis B dahil hindi ito nagsasanhi ng anumang mga sintomas. Malusog ang parkiramdam ng karamihan sa mga tao at hindi nila alam na sila ay nahawa, na nangangahulugan na hindi nila alam na maaaring maipasa ang virus sa iba. Ang ibang tao ay may banayad na mga sintomas tulad ng lagnat, pagkapagod, pananakit ng kasu-kasuan at kalamnan, o pagkawala ng gana sa pagkain na maaaring mapagkamalan na trangkaso. Kabilang sa hindi pangkaraniwan ngunit mas malubhang mga sintomas ay malubhang pagduduwal at pagsusuka, naninilaw na mga mata at balat (tinatawag na “jaundice”), at namamagang tiyan – ang mga sintomas na ito ay nangangailangan ng agarang medikal na atensyon at ang tao ay maaaring kailangang ipa-ospital. Paano ko malalaman na ako ay gumaling mula sa “malubhang” hepatitis B na impeksyon?Kapag nakumpirma ng iyong doktor sa pamamagitan ng pagsusuri ng dugo na nalabanan mo ang virus mula sa iyong katawan at bumuo ng nagpoprotektang antibody (HbsAb+), protektado ka mula sa anumang hepatitis B na impeksyon sa hinaharap at hindi na nakakahawa sa iba. Ano ang dapat kong gawin kapag ako ay nasuri na may talamak na hepatitis B?Kung nasuri kang positibo para sa hepatitis B na virus nang mas matagal sa 6 na buwan, nagpapahiwatig ito na ikaw ay may talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon. Kailangang magpatingin sa isang hepatologist (espesyalista sa atay), gastroenterologist, o doktor ng pamilya na pamilyar sa hepatitis B. Magpapagawa ang doktor ng mga pasusuri sa dugo at posibleng isang ultrasound ng atay upang tasahin kung gaano ka-aktibo ang hepatitis B na virus sa iyong katawan, at upang subaybayan ang kalusugan ng iyong atay. Maaaring gusto kang makita ng iyong doktor nang hindi bababa sa isa o dalawang beses kada taon upang subaybayan ang iyong hepatitis B at tukuyin kung makikinabang ka mula sa paggagamot. Lahat ng mga taong may talamak na impeksyon ay dapat tingnan ng kanilang doktor nang hindi bababa sa isang beses kada taon (o mas madalas) para sa regular na medikal na follow-up na pangangalaga, magsisimula man sila ng paggagamot o hindi. Kahit na ang virus ay nasa hindi gaanong aktibong yugto na may kaunti o walang pinsalang naidudulot, maaari itong magbago kinalaunan, kung kaya’t napakahalaga ang regular na pagsubaybay. Karamihan sa mga taong may talamak na impeksyon sa hepatitis B ay makakaasa na mabubuhay nang matagal at may malusog na buhay. Kapag ikaw ay nasuri na may talamak na hepatitis B, maaaring manatili ang virus sa iyong dugo at atay habang buhay. Mahalagang malaman na maaari mong maipasa ang virus sa iba, kahit na pakiramdam mo ay wala kang sakit. Kung kaya’t mahalaga na siguruhin mo na lahat ng mga malalapit na kontak sa sambahayan at mga katalik ay nabakunahan laban sa hepatitis B. Anong mga pagsusuri ang gagamitin upang subaybayan ang aking hepatitis B?Kabilang sa pangkaraniwang mga pagsusuri na ginagamit ng mga doktor upang subaybayan ang iyong hepatitis B ay ang grupo ng mga pagsusuri ng dugo para sa hepatitis B, mga pagsusuri sa paggana ng atay (ALT, AST), hepatitis B e-Antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B e-Antibody (HBeAb), pagtiyak ng dami ng hepatitis B DNA (dami ng virus), at ang pag-aaral ng imahe ng atay (ultrasound, FibroScan [Transient Elastography] o CT scan). Mayroon bang lunas para sa talamak na hepatitis B?Sa ngayon, walang lunas para sa talamak na hepatitis B, ngunit ang magandang balita ay may mga panggamot na maaaring pabagalin ang pagsulong ng sakit sa atay sa mga taong may talamak na impeksyon sa pamamagitan ng pagpapabagal sa virus. Kung mas kaunting hepatitis B na virus ang nagagawa, samakatuwid ay mas kaunti ang pinsala na ginagawa sa atay. Minsan ang mga gamot na ito ay nakakapuksa pa ng virus, bagama’t ito ay hindi pangkaraniwan. Sa lahat ng bagong kapanapanabik na pananaliksik, mayroong malaking pag-asa na matutuklasan ang lunas para sa talamak na hepatitis B sa malapit na hinaharap. Bumisita sa aming Drug Watch para sa listahan ng iba pang maaasahang mga gamot na binubuo. Mayroon bang anumang aprubadong mga gamot upang gamutin ang talamak na hepatitis B?Nabibilang sa dalawang kategorya ang mga kasalukuyang panggamot para sa hepatitis B, mga panlaban sa virus at immune modulators: Mga Gamot na Panlaban sa Virus - Ang mga gamot na ito ay nagpapabagal o pumipigil sa hepatitis na virus, na nagpapabawas ng pamamaga at pinsala sa atay. Ang mga ito ay iniinom na pildoras isang beses kada araw nang hindi bababa sa 1 taon, kadalasan mas matagal. Mayroong 6 na mga panlaban sa virus na aprubado ng FDA, ngunit tatlo lamang na unang-linya na mga panlaban sa virus ang inirerekomendang paggamot: tenofovir disoproxil (Viread/TDF), tenofovir alafenamide (Vemlidy/TAF) at Entecavir (Baraclude). Ang unang-linya na mga panlaban ng virus ay inirerekomenda dahil sila ay mas ligtas at mas epektibo. Mayroon din silang mas mabuting klase ng resistensya kaysa sa mga mas lumang panlaban ng virus, na nangangahulugan na kung iniinom sila ayon sa inireseta, mayroong mas mababang pagkakataon ng mutasyon at resistensya. Mas mahirap gamutin at pangasiwaan ang virus na nakabuo ng resistenya. Mga Gamot na Immunomodulator - Ang mga gamot na ito ay nagpapalakas ng immune system upang tulungang pigilan ang hepatitis B na virus. Ang mga ito ay binibigay bilang mga iniksyon sa loob ng 6 na buwan hanggang 1 taon. Kabilang sa mga pinakakaraniwang inirereseta ang interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) at pegylated interferon (Pegasys). Ito lamang ang inirerekomendang paggamot para sa mga pasyenteng may magkasabay na impeksyon ng hepatitis delta. Nagbibigay ba ng “lunas” ang mga gamot na ito para sa talamak na hepatitis B?
Bagama’t hindi sila nagbibigay ng kumpletong lunas, ang mga kasalukuyang medikasyon ay nagpapabagal ng virus at nagpapababa ng panganib ng mas malubhang sakit sa atay sa kalaunan. Nagreresulta ito sa mga pasyenteng bumubuti ang pakiramdam sa loob ng ilang buwan dahil ang pinsala sa atay mula sa virus ay napabagal, o nabaliktad pa sa ilang mga kaso, kapag iniinom nang pangmatagalan. Hindi layunin na ihinto at simulan ang mga panlaban sa virus, kung kaya’t ang pagsusuri ng isang doktor na may sapat na kaalaman ay napakahalaga bago magsimula ng paggagamot para sa talamak na HBV. Kung mayroon akong talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon, dapat ba na mayroon akong medikasyon?Mahalagang maunawaan na hindi lahat ng taong may talamak na hepatitis B ay nangangailangan ng medikasyon. Dapat kausapin mo ang iyong doktor kung ikaw ay isang magandang kandidato para sa terapiyang gamot. Magpasya ka man at ang iyong doktor na dapat magsimula ng paggagamot o hindi, kailangan mong magpatingin nang regular sa isang espesyalista sa atay o doktor na may sapat na kaalaman tungkol sa hepatitis B. Ligtas bang uminom ng mga erbal na gamot o suplemento para sa aking hepatitis B na impeksyon?Maraming tao ang interesado sa paggamit ng mga erbal na gamot o suplemento upang palakasin ang kanilang mga immune system at tulungan ang kanilang mga atay. Ang problema ay walang regulasyon ng mga kumpanyang gumagawa ng mga produktong ito, na nangangahulugan na walang mahigpit na mga pagsubok ng kaligtasan o kadalisayan. Kaya, ang kalidad ng erbal na gamot o suplementong bitamina ay maaaring magkaiba depende sa bote. agdag pa, ang ilang mga erbal na gamot ay maaaring makasagabal sa iyong iniresetang mga gamot para sa hepatitis B o iba pang mga kondisyon; ang ilan ay maaari pang makapinsala sa iyong atay. Ang mga erbal na gamot na ito ay hindi makalulunas ng iyong talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon. Maraming mga kompanya na gumagawa ng mga bulaang pangako sa Internet at sa pamamagitan ng social media tungkol sa kanilang mga produkto. Ang mga pahayag online at testimonya ng mga pasyente sa Facebook ay huwad at ginagamit upang lansihin ang mga tao sa pagbili ng mamahaling mga erbal na gamot at suplemento. Tandaan, kung mukhang masyadong maganda para maging totoo, malamang hindi totoo. Sa ibaba ay maaasahang mga mapagkukunan ng impormasyon tungkol sa mga damong-gamot at alternatibong gamot. Ang impormasyong ito ay batay sa siyentipikong ebidensya, hindi mga bulaang pangako. Tingnan kung ang mga aktibong sangkap sa iyong mga erbal na gamot o suplemento ay totoo at ligtas para sa iyong atay. Ang pinakamahalagang bagay ay protektahan ang iyong atay mula sa anumang mga karagdagang pinsala o panganib. Ano ang mga payo para sa malusog na atay ang mayroon para sa mga namumuhay nang may talamak na hepatitis B?Ang mga taong namumuhay nang may talamak na hepatitis B na impeksyon ay maaaring nangangailangan o hindi nangangailangan ng paggagamot gamit ang gamot. Ngunit maraming iba pang mga bagay na magagawa ang mga pasyente upang protektahan ang kanilang atay at mapabuti ang kanilang kalusugan. Sa ibaba makikita ang aming listahan ng nangungunang 10 pagpipilian para sa kalusugan na masisimulan ngayon! Magtakda ng regular na mga pagbisita sa iyong espesyalista sa atay o tagapagbigay ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan upang manatiling may pamamahala sa iyong kalusugan at kalusugan ng iyong atay. Kumuha ng bakuna sa hepatitis A at protektahan ang iyong sarili mula sa iba pang virus na umaatake ng atay. Umiwas sa pag-inom ng alak at paninigarilyo dahil pareho itong nakapipinsala sa iyong atay, na napinsala na ng hepatitis B na virus. Kausapin ang iyong tagapagbigay ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan bago magsimula ng anumang mga erbal na gamot o suplementong bitamina dahil ang ilan ay maaaring makasagabal sa iyong mga iniresetang gamot para sa hepatitis B o makapinsala ng iyong atay. Itanong sa iyong parmasyutiko ang tungkol sa anumang nabibiling mga gamot (hal. acetaminophen, paracetamol) o mga gamot na hindi inireseta para sa hepatitis B bago sila inumin upang masiguro na sila ay ligtas para sa iyong atay dahil marami sa mga gamot na ito ay pinoproseso sa iyong atay.  Iwasang lumanghap ng mga singaw mula sa pintura, mga thinner ng pintura, pandikit, mga produktong panlinis ng bahay, pantanggal ng pangkulay sa kuko, at iba pang mga potensyal na nakakalasong kemikal na maaaring makapinsala sa iyong atay. Kumain ng masustansyang pagkain na prutas, buong butil, isda, karneng walang taba, at maraming gulay. Ang mga “cruciferous na gulay” sa partikular -- reployo, broccoli, cauliflower – ay nakikitang tumutulong na protektahan ang atay laban sa mga kemikal sa paligiran. Umiwas sa pagkain ng hilaw o hindi lubos na lutong molusko (hal. mga kabibe, tahong, talaba) dahil maaari silang nahawaan ng bakterya na tinatawag na Vibrio vulnificus, na lubhang nakakalason sa atay at maaaring magsanhi ng malaking pinsala. Tingnan ang mga palatandaan ng amag sa mga mani, mais, batad, at dawa bago gamitin ang mga pagkaing ito. Ang amag ay malamang na nagiging problema kung ang pagkain ay tinatabi sa mamasa-masang kondisyon at hindi maayos ang pagkaselyo. Kung mayroong amag, ang pagkain ay maaaring kontaminado ng “aflatoxins”, na kilalang salik ng panganib ng kanser sa atay. Bawasan ang iyong antas ng stress sa pamamagitan ng pagkain ng masustansyang pagkain, regular na pag-ehersisyo, at pagpapahinga nang mabuti. Tandaan na lahat ng iyong kinakain, iniinom, hinihinga, o nasisipsip sa pamamagitan ng balat ay kalaunang sinasala ng atay. Kaya protektahan ang iyong atay at iyong kalusugan!   Maaari ba akong mag-abuloy ng dugo kung ako ay may hepatitis B? Hindi. Ang bangko ng dugo ay hindi tumatanggap ng anumang dugo na nalantad sa hepatitis B, kahit na gumaling ka mula sa malubhang impeksyon. Living with Hepatitis B Will I recover from a hepatitis B infection?Most healthy adults who are newly infected will recover without any problems. But babies and young children may not be able to successfully get rid of the virus. Adults – 90% of healthy adults will get rid of the virus and recover without any problems; 10% will develop chronic hepatitis B. Young Children – Up to 50% of young children between 1 and 5 years who are infected will develop a chronic hepatitis B infection.Infants – 90% will become chronically infected; only 10% will be able to get rid of the virus. What is the difference between an "acute" and a "chronic" hepatitis B infection?A hepatitis B infection is considered to be “acute” during the first 6 months after being exposed to the virus. This is the average amount of time it takes to recover from a hepatitis B infection. If you still test positive for the hepatitis B virus (HBsAg+) after 6 months, you are considered to have a "chronic" hepatitis B infection, which can last a lifetime. Will I become sick if I have acute hepatitis B?Hepatitis B is considered a "silent infection” because it often does not cause any symptoms. Most people feel healthy and do not know they have been infected, which means they can unknowingly pass the virus on to others. Other people may have mild symptoms such as fever, fatigue, joint or muscle pain, or loss of appetite that are mistaken for the flu. Less common but more serious symptoms include severe nausea and vomiting, yellow eyes and skin (called “jaundice”), and a swollen stomach - these symptoms require immediate medical attention and a person may need to be hospitalized. How will I know when I have recovered from an "acute" hepatitis B infection?Once your doctor has confirmed through a blood test that you have gotten rid of the virus from your body and developed the protective antibodies (HBsAb+), you will be protected from any future hepatitis B infection and are no longer contagious to others. What should I do if I am diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B?If you test positive for the hepatitis B virus for longer than 6 months, this indicates that you have a chronic hepatitis B infection. You should make an appointment with a hepatologist (liver specialist), gastroenterologist, or family doctor who is familiar with hepatitis B. The doctor will order blood tests and possibly a liver ultrasound to evaluate how active the hepatitis B virus is in your body, and to monitor the health of your liver. Your doctor will probably want to see you at least once or twice a year to monitor your hepatitis B and determine if you would benefit from treatment.All chronically infected people should be seen by their doctor at least once a year (or more frequently) for regular medical follow-up care, whether they start treatment or not. Even if the virus is in a less active phase with little or no damage occurring, this can change with time, which is why regular monitoring is so important. Most people chronically infected with hepatitis B can expect to live long, healthy lives. Once you are diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, the virus may stay in your blood and liver for a lifetime. It is important to know that you can pass the virus along to others, even if you don’t feel sick. This is why it’s so important that you make sure that all close household contacts and sex partners are vaccinated against hepatitis B. What tests will be used to monitor my hepatitis B?Common tests used by doctors to monitor your hepatitis B include the hepatitis B blood panel, liver function tests (ALT, AST), hepatitis B e-Antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B e-Antibody (HBeAb), hepatitis B DNA quantification (viral load), and an imaging study of the liver (ultrasound, FibroScan [Transient Elastography] or CT scan). Is there a cure for chronic hepatitis B?Right now, there is no cure for chronic hepatitis B, but the good news is there are treatments that can help slow the progression of liver disease in chronically infected persons by slowing down the virus. If there is less hepatitis B virus being produced, then there is less damage being done to the liver. Sometimes these drugs can even get rid of the virus, although this is not common. With all of the new exciting research, there is great hope that a cure will be found for chronic hepatitis B in the near future. Visit our Drug Watch for a list of other promising drugs in development. Are there any approved drugs to treat chronic hepatitis B?Current treatments for hepatitis B fall into two general categories, antivirals and immune modulators: Antiviral Drugs - These are drugs that slow down or stop the hepatitis B virus, which reduces the inflammation and damage to the liver. These are taken as a pill once a day for at least 1 year, usually longer. There are 6 U.S. FDA approved antivirals, but only three first-line antivirals are recommended treatments: tenofovir disoproxil (Viread/TDF), tenofovir alafenamide (Vemlidy/TAF) and Entecavir (Baraclude). First-line antivirals are recommended because they are safer and most effective. They also have a better resistance profile than older antivirals, which means that when they are taken as prescribed, there is less chance of mutation and resistance. Building resistance makes it harder to treat and control the virus. Immunomodulator Drugs - These are drugs that boost the immune system to help control the hepatitis B virus. They are given as injections over 6 months to 1 year. The most commonly prescribed include interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) and pegylated interferon (Pegasys). This is the only recommended treatment for patients coinfected with hepatitis delta. Do these drugs provide a “cure” for chronic hepatitis B?
Although they do not provide a complete cure, current medications will slow down the virus and decrease the risk of more serious liver disease later in life. This results in patients feeling better within a few months because liver damage from the virus is slowed down, or even reversed in some cases, when taken long-term. Antivirals are not meant to be stopped and started, which is why a thorough evaluation by a knowledgeable doctor is so important before beginning treatment for chronic HBV. If I have a chronic hepatitis B infection, should I be on medication?It is important to understand that not every person with chronic hepatitis B needs to be on medication. You should talk to your doctor about whether you are a good candidate for drug therapy. Whether you and your doctor decide you should start treatment or not, you should be seen regularly by a liver specialist or a doctor knowledgeable about hepatitis B. Is it safe to take herbal remedies or supplements for my hepatitis B infection?Many people are interested in using herbal remedies or supplements to boost their immune systems and help their livers. The problem is that there is no regulation of companies manufacturing these produces, which means there is no rigorous testing for safety or purity. So, the quality of the herbal remedy or vitamin supplement may be different from bottle to bottle. Also, some herbal remedies could interfere with your prescription drugs for hepatitis B or other conditions; some can even actually damage your liver. These herbal remedies will not cure a chronic hepatitis B infection. There are many companies that make false promises on the Internet and through social media about their products. Online claims and patient testimonials on Facebook are fake and are used to trick people into buying expensive herbal remedies and supplements. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then it’s probably not true. Below are reliable sources of information about herbs and alternative medicines. This information is based on scientific evidence, not false promises. Check whether the active ingredients in your herbal remedies or supplements are real and safe for your liver. The most important thing is to protect your liver from any additional injury or harm. What healthy liver tips are there for those living with chronic hepatitis B?People living with chronic hepatitis B infection may or may not need drug treatment. But there are many other things patients can do to protect their liver and improve their health. Below is our list of the top 10 healthy choices that can be started today! Schedule regular visits with your liver specialist or health care provider to stay on top of your health and the health of your liver. Get the Hepatitis A vaccine to protect yourself from another virus that attacks the liver. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking since both will hurt your liver, which is already being injured by the hepatitis B virus. Talk to your provider before starting any herbal remedies or vitamin supplements because some could interfere with your prescribed hepatitis B drugs or even damage your liver. Check with your pharmacist about any over-the-counter drugs (e.g. acetaminophen, paracetamol) or non-hepatitis B prescription drugs before taking them to make sure they are safe for your liver since many of these drugs are processed through your liver.  Avoid inhaling fumes from paint, paint thinners, glue, household cleaning products, nail polish removers, and other potentially toxic chemicals that could damage your liver.  Eat a healthy diet of fruit, whole grains, fish and lean meats, and lot of vegetables. “Cruciferous vegetables” in particular -- cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower -- have been shown to help protect the liver against environmental chemicals.  Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish (e.g. clams, mussels, oysters, scallops) because they could be contaminated with bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus, which is very toxic to the liver and could cause a lot of damage. Check for signs of mold on nuts, maize, corn, groundnut, sorghum, and millet before using these foods. Mold is more likely to be a problem if food is stored in damp conditions and not properly sealed. If there is mold, then the food could be contaminated by “aflatoxins,” which are a known risk factor for liver cancer. Reduce your stress levels by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest.  Keep in mind everything you eat, drink, breathe, or absorb through the skin is eventually filtered by the liver. So, protect your liver and your health! Can I donate blood if I have hepatitis B? No. The blood bank will not accept any blood that has been exposed to hepatitis B, even if you have recovered from an acute infection.  

    https://www.hepb.org/languages/tagalog/living/
  • Releases New #justB Stories to Empower People Affected by Hepatitis B, Raise Awareness and End Stigma

    DOYLESTOWN, PA (May 2018) - The Hepatitis B Foundation released seven new videos as part of its national #justB storytelling campaign, which was launched one year ago to highlight the personal stories of people from across the United States who have been affected by hepatitis B. The #justB campaign is designed to increase awareness of hepatitis B and its role in causing liver failure and liver cancer, decrease stigma and discrimination associated with the disease, promote testing and vaccination, and support the foundation’s advocacy efforts to increase federal funding for improved access to care and more research to find a cure. “Since the campaign launched last year, we have seen firsthand how much of a difference it makes when we share the stories of real people affected by hepatitis B at community events, educational briefings, or meetings with lawmakers,” said Rhea Racho, public policy and program manager for the Hepatitis B Foundation. “The #justB stories humanize the problem of hepatitis B and help the general public understand the impact of this disease.” Each #justB story reflects a unique personal experience and an important message about hepatitis B. Many of the stories were also translated and recorded into second languages including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Khmer, Twi, and Yoruba. Alice, a storyteller from California, was diagnosed with hepatitis B during her first pregnancy. She learned that she probably contracted the virus from her mother when she was born and decided to be very open with her own children about the disease, even though many Chinese families like hers feel that talking about sickness is taboo. Because of her experience, Alice is passionate about educating Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders – 1 in 12 of whom are estimated to have hepatitis B – about the disease and about preventing transmission at birth. “I was blessed because my OB/GYN knew what to screen for and took precautions to prevent transmission from mother to child,” she shares in her video. “My two children got thevaccine at birth, and then completed the three shots afterward. When they were re-tested at age one and again at age two, the tests came back negative.” Xuan, whose parents came to the United States as refugees from Vietnam, talks in her video about language and knowledge barriers that keep many people living with hepatitis B from accessing appropriate care and treatment to prevent further health complications. At just 12 years old, Xuan found herself trying to be her dad’s medical interpreter after he was diagnosed with hepatitis B. “My dad deserved a professional interpreter, but I did my best. With me, kind health workers, and understanding doctors, he started to learn about hepatitis B and take control over his life.” Xuan’s dad is still living a healthy life with hepatitis B, and Xuan now works as a hepatitis B caseworker and interpreter in Mississippi. With more than 292 million people living with chronic hepatitis B worldwide, another highly impacted region is Africa. Prevalence rates for hepatitis B are particularly high in west African countries. In African cultures, stigma and myths surrounding hepatitis B are very common, and these misconceptions often persist among African immigrant communities in the United States. Peter, who grew up in Nigeria and currently attends school in Wisconsin, felt alone and feared discrimination at his job when he first learned he was living with hepatitis B. “In Nigeria, people don’t go to the doctor unless they are already sick. So they don’t find out about things like hepatitis B, and they don’t know how it’s transmitted,” Peter explains in his video. “Some people in Nigeria are superstitious and believe you can get hepatitis B from witchcraft. But I know hepatitis B is real, and there are real ways to deal with it.” After his diagnosis, Peter made sure that his wife and two children were vaccinated to protect them from contracting the virus. The #justB digital stories, produced in partnership with the nonprofit organization StoryCenter, are available on the Hepatitis B Foundation website at www.hepb.org/justb. Additional videos in the #justB storybank were filmed by Philippa Wharton, an independent video producer. The #justB storytelling campaign was launched in 2017 in collaboration with the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) and was made possible by educational grants from Arbutus Biopharma, Dynavax Technologies and Gilead Sciences. About the Hepatitis B Foundation: The Hepatitis B Foundation is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and improving the quality of life for those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. To learn more, visit www.hepb.org, read our blog at hepb.org/blog, follow us on Twitter @HepBFoundation, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/hepbfoundation or call 215-489-4900.   # # #

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/new-justb-stories/