Hepatitis B Profile

What is Hepatitis B? Why is Regular Follow-up Important?

Hepatitis B: Understanding the Disease, Preventing Complications, and the Importance of Regular Follow-up

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can lead to a range of severe complications. Understanding the disease process, complications, and undergoing regular follow-up is crucial.

The hepatitis B virus is typically spread through infected individuals’ blood, body fluids, and sexual contact. After infection, the hepatitis B virus enters liver cells, causing inflammation and damage to the liver. In most people, hepatitis B infection is transient and can resolve on its own. However, about 5-10% of infected individuals will develop chronic infection, lasting for months or even decades.

Complications of Hepatitis B include:

• Cirrhosis: Chronic infection can lead to fibrosis and fibrous tissue proliferation in liver tissue, ultimately progressing to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a chronic progressive disease that severely damages liver structure and function.
• Liver Cancer: Hepatitis B is a major risk factor for liver cancer. Chronic infection increases the risk of liver cancer, especially in patients with cirrhosis.
• Immune System Disorders: Hepatitis B virus infection may trigger abnormal immune responses, leading to various autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and nephritis.

Regular follow-up for hepatitis B is essential as it helps monitor infection status, prevent complications, and provide appropriate treatment. Methods for regular follow-up include:

• Blood Tests: Regular blood tests to detect levels of hepatitis B virus antigens and antibodies, determining infection status and viral load.
• Liver Function Tests: Regular liver function tests help assess liver status and function, detecting any liver abnormalities.
• Abdominal Ultrasound: Regular abdominal ultrasound examinations can detect changes in liver structure and size, as well as signs of cirrhosis or tumors.
• Vaccination: Hepatitis B vaccination is an effective method to prevent hepatitis B infection. Regular vaccination provides immune protection and prevents infection.

Regular follow-up for hepatitis B helps in early detection and treatment, reducing the risk of complications. This includes regular monitoring of viral load, liver function, and liver structure changes. Additionally, following the doctor’s recommendations and developing a personalized follow-up plan is essential to protect liver health. Regular follow-up is a key step in maintaining liver health and preventing complications.