| [ Summary ] |
Chronic dialysis patients are at a high risk of contracting the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Failures of infectious control practices still lead to outbreaks of HBV in hemodialysis units. Since the immune defence mechanism of dialyzed patients is decreased, they are likely to become HBV carriers when they are infected with HBV. The progression to chronic active hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma has been observed in some HBV carriers. Recently, treatments for chronic hepatitis B have progressed remarkably. Interferon and lamivudine are widely used for treatment of this disease. It is expected that hepatitis is reduced by these agents. However, treatment with interferon and antiviral agents (lamivudine, adefovir) for dialyzed patients remains to be clarified in the future. |