HBV in the Poorly Compliant Patient: Dare we Start Oral Drugs?

Abstract

The prevention and treatment of antiviral resistance is a major clinical problem in the management of chronic hepatitis B. The emergence of antiviral resistance is dependent on the interplay of viral, host and antiviral drug factors and many of these can be countered by appropriate education and selection of the optimal therapy. Non-adherence to therapy is a significant risk factor for the emergence of antiviral resistance, which can in turn result in virological rebound and clinical progression of disease. Ongoing patient counselling and education is a critical component in the management of chronic hepatitis B. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.