Hot spots and difficult issues in treatment of chronic hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a serious disease threatening the health and even life of people, at present antiviral therapy is the key approach to alter the disease outcome. The treatment objectives are to maximize the long-term inhibition of viral replication; to reduce the inflammatory necrosis of hepatocytes and hepatic fibrosis; to decompensate the cirrhosis; to avoid the occurrence of liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma and other complications; thereby to improve the quality of life and prolong the survival of patients. The clinical cure should be pursued as far as possible; however, most of CHB patients can not meet the standard of drug withdrawal and achieve clinical cure. This article reviews the current hot spots and difficult issues in the treatment of CHB. Key words: Chronic hepatitis B; Antiviral agents; Recovery