Hepatitis B health experts finalize national pediatric patient treatment recommendations

In an effort to finalize a national hepatitis B treatment plan for pediatric patients, a panel of health experts has compiled a series of therapeutic options. Created by the Hepatitis B Foundation, the group's report was recently published in the journal Hepatology.

Previous studies have shown that the majority of children with the disease don't need immediate treatment, but, there is an increased risk of developing liver disease as they enter adulthood. In fact, as their patients get older, physicians are recommended to monitor the progression of the infection.

To date, the availability of medications for pediatric patients with this disease is limited to four drugs that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Furthermore, those aged 12 years and younger can only be treated with two of the four therapies.

Joan Block, executive director of the foundation, stated that "there is an urgent need for specific guidance in the management and treatment of children living with chronic HBV infections." She added that "currently, there is a significant gap in knowledge among most pediatricians, and even among many pediatric specialists, in the appropriate care and management of these children."