New Webinar Recording: The Evidence for Expansion of Hepatitis B Treatment Guidelines

Networking and learning resources Scientific Studies
, , , ,
1

New Webinar Recording: The Evidence for Expansion of Hepatitis B Treatment Guidelines

:eyes: :point_right:

This informative webinar, hosted by the Hepatitis B Foundation and ICE-HBV, discusses the evidence underlying expansion of treatment guidelines for HBV. The discussion highlights key findings from recent articles published in Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology

5 Likes
2

Thanks @CFreeland for hosting and my fellow panel members Patrick Kennedy, @Suwang88, @chari.cohen , and @john.tavis. Great chatting with you all as always!

TT

2 Likes
3

Thank you so much for this highly informative webinar @ThomasTu @Suwang88 @john.tavis @chari.cohen

I am immersely grateful to you and the community for all you do.

Please would you recommend starting Entecavir in a chronic HBV HCW who perform predominantly exposure prone procedures and job is often impaired by viral load alternating between undetectable levels, <200 and <1000iu/ml for occupational reasons?

Many thanks

4

After watching the video @Kassimo I would say yes. They said anyone after the age of 30 years old, whether you were non detectable or not. Please discuss with your health provider. @ThomasTu

3 Likes
5

My personal recommendation is yes, starting therapy to prevent transmission appears warranted to me, presuming of course that there are no medical contraindications. However, I am not a physician and cannot give formal medical advice, so this is just a personal opinion.

John

3 Likes
6

Hi @Kassimo,
I agree with @john.tavis and @Caraline. As a personal choice and in the field of work I am in, yes, I will start treatment. We can’t control when a flare-up happens. Starting treatment can keep the virus well under control and provide a sense of peace of mind, as well, so we don’t have to worry too much about exposing others. Yes, I will start treatment. Best, Bansah1

4 Likes
7

I really enjoyed watching this webinar. I do think that we should expand treatment guidelines. The caveat to this is that medication adherence can be an issue with many patients. Still, I think that treatment should be presented as an option to anyone with a medium/high viral load, even if they don’t have elevated liver enzymes or cirrhosis. We can’t force people to take it, but we should make sure they understand the risks and benefits.

4 Likes
8

I agree with the video and the argument they put forward was informative.
Moving forward, how do we make the powers to be in agreement? Ie WHO

3 Likes
9

Great question. To be honest, given the different health systems, ethnicities, risk appetite, and infrastructure, it’s not likely that everyone will be in global agreement. But we are slowly getting there. Don’t know what my other copanelists think @CFreeland , @Suwang88, @chari.cohen , @john.tavis?

I don’t know about specific recommendations, but if I were in this situation, it’s what I would be doing for my own sake and those that I would be treating. Agree with @Caraline, this is something to share with your health provider.

Agree!

4 Likes
10

I agree with Thomas about it not being likely that we will ever have a uniform guidance everywhere for the reasons he lists. My goal it to help remove the barrier to treatment for those who wish to take it.

As to how to move this needle–speak up! Talk to your health care team, speak out when possible, attend scientific and medical meetings and ask appropriate questions, and send your thoughts to people in the EASL, APASL, and AASLD leadership teams. Work together with the Hepatitis B Foundation and other educational and advocacy groups to amplify your voice. The momentum is with us, we just need to keep the pressure on.

John.

5 Likes