Goals of chronic hepatitis B treatment 2015 Chinese guidelines for hepatitis B: “Goals of treatment: to maximize long-term suppression of HBV replication, reduce hepatocyte inflammatory necrosis and liver fibrosis, achieve delay and reduce the occurrence of liver failure, cirrhosis decompensation, HCC and other complications, and thus improve quality of life and prolong survival time. In the course of treatment, clinical cure of chronic hepatitis B, i.e., sustained virological response after cessation of therapy, disappearance of HBsAg with ALT reversion and improvement of liver histology, should be pursued as much as possible for some suitable patients.” INTERPRETATION: In the chronic hepatitis B stage, there are mostly abnormal liver functions such as elevated ALT and high hepatitis B virus replication (high HBVDNA) and other indicators. There are 3 goals of treatment: 1. normal liver function; 2. HBVDNA conversion; 3. cessation of chronic hepatitis progression. The first goal can be achieved by liver protection drugs, but this is only the usual “cure”. Because HBVDNA exists, liver inflammation will persist for a long time, and liver function abnormalities will occur later, making it difficult to reduce or delay the risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. The second goal is mainly achieved through the use of antiviral drugs. Such as the use of interferon, nucleoside analogs (entecavir, telbivudine, lamivudine, adefovir, tenofovir, etc.). If HBVDNA remains negative for a long time, the risk of hepatitis activity is extremely low and the risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer is low. Achieving long-term HBVDNA negativity is the key to hepatitis B treatment, or the “cure”. The third goal is to achieve cessation of chronic hepatitis progression. That is, we will basically not develop cirrhosis or even liver cancer during our lifetime. This is the ultimate goal of why you work so hard to get to the hospital. It will take both you and your doctor to work together to achieve this. You need to listen to your doctor’s guidance on how to do this, because everyone’s condition is different, and it can change at any time. This will be shared with you again in a short article to follow. The third goal is the aim of our doctors to recommend your treatment at this time, so that the patient can get the maximum benefit. However, due to the limitations of medical knowledge, it is difficult for most patients to understand this goal in depth. Not knowing or agreeing with this goal is also an important reason why it is difficult for patients to adhere to long-term medication in the clinic. Hepatitis B is not a pneumonia that can be cured in the short term with medication. It is a chronic disease, like diabetes, hypertension, etc., which requires long-term management and treatment.