[Diagnostics and therapy of chronic hepatitis B and C].

Therapy of chronic hepatitis B (HBV) und C (HCV) virus infection has continuously improved over the last years by the invention of new therapeutic agents for HBV, greater individualization for HCV and more sensitive tests for viral nucleic acids. Prognosis and therapeutic success rates have improved, however, more and more response predicting factors have to be considered prior to and during antiviral treatment to adjust therapy on an individual basis. Thus, in 2007 the German National Treatment Guidelines for HBV infection have been revised. A similar update is planned for chronic HCV infection in the year 2008. This review summarizes recommendations of the German National Hepatitis B Treatment Guidelines and shows current trends in the management of chronic hepatitis C which will be included in the future revised guidelines for hepatitis C. Since treatment of both infections will be characterized by a growing complexity, therapy should only be performed by internists with special experience in hepatology who are able to create individual concepts within evidenced-based treatment guidelines.