| Theme | New Strategies to Control Viral Hepatitis in Dialysis Patients | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | The epidemiology of viral hepatitis in Japan | |
| Publish Date | 2009/08 | |
| Author | Hidetaka Fujinaga | Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo |
| Author | Kazuhiko Koike | Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo |
| [ Summary ] | The number of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with HBV and HCV infections has increased in Japan. The prevention and control of HBV and HCV infections has made it possible to reduce the incidence of new infections. It is hoped that interferon therapy and other drugs will suppress the progression of liver fibrosis and the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. On the other hand, acute hepatitis with genotype A HBV is increasing in Japan, tending to cause persistent infection. There are increasing numbers of cases with de novo hepatitis B, which flares up after anticancerous chemotherapy or administration of some antibody drugs. We should be aware of these new issues in viral hepatitis today. | |