Hepatitis B in children—current status

Chronic hepatitis B infection remains a significant global health problem. Acquisition during infancy or childhood causes many of the chronic infections that are responsible for the morbidity associated with this disease. Some children with chronic hepatitis B are candidates for treatment based on the viral load and presence of transaminitis. Three medications are currently licensed for use in children, and it is anticipated that others will be available in the next several years. This article reviews the current knowledge regarding the natural history and treatment of chronic hepatitis B in children.