Update on the Management of Pediatric Chronic Hepatitis B

A primary challenge in the management of pediatric chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is the lack of established child-specific guidelines. Treatment decisions for children with CHB are extrapolated from the robust adult-focused treatment and management guidelines. However, the rationale for treating children differs from adults, and appropriate patient selection for treatment is imperative to avoid mutant virus development and an indefinite treatment course. Few approved therapies exist for children less than 10 years of age, a group who may benefit greatly from novel and effective therapeutics. It is hoped this gap will be met in the near future, as the field of CHB is rapidly evolving and new therapeutics come to market. This review focuses on the currently available pediatric data regarding treatment for CHB, and draws comparisons with adult-focused data where applicable.