What is the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis?

The standard treatment for chronic hepatitis, particularly when referring to viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis B or C, often involves the use of antiviral therapies. Interferon-alpha (often abbreviated as IFN-alpha) is a form of immunotherapy that has been used in certain scenarios, particularly for hepatitis C before the advent of direct-acting antiviral agents.

Interferon-alpha acts by boosting the immune response against the virus, inhibiting viral replication, and has been shown to lead to a sustained viral response in some patients. Although it is not as commonly prescribed in recent years due to the development of newer and more effective antiviral agents for hepatitis C, it historically played a significant role in the treatment landscape.

In cases of chronic hepatitis B, a similar approach may be employed with antiviral agents like nucleos(t)ide analogs or interferons, but interferon therapy specifically became a hallmark treatment option, particularly before newer therapies emerged.

Supportive care focuses on managing symptoms and ensuring overall well-being without directly addressing the underlying viral replication or infection, so it is not considered a standard treatment for chronic hepatitis that aims for virologic control.

Corticosteroids may have some uses in liver pathology related to autoimmune hepatitis but are generally not used as a primary