Treatment
Goals of treatment
As most patients are asymptomatic, the long-term treatment goals are to stop disease progression and prevent cirrhosis, liver failure and HCC (Shamliyan et al, 2009). HBV is difficult to eradicate because its covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) becomes established in hepatocyte nuclei and incorporated into the host genome (Dienstag, 2008); it is controllable rather than curable. Durable viral suppression and E antigen seroconversion (HBeAg positive patients only), normalisation of ALT and histological improvement are considered to be good treatment outcomes (Hadziyanis, 2011). NICE (2013) does not recommend using genotype testing to determine a plan of treatment in people with CHB, contrary to previous guidelines (Table 3). Treatment choice for CHB should be based on a medical assessment of the risks and benefits, and should take into account whether women are of childbearing age. Safety, efficacy and drug resistance need to be considered (Dusheiko, 2013). All these factors must be discussed with patients so they can make informed decisions. Some advantages of the most commonly used antiviral agents, discussed below, should also be explained.