A 54-year-old man with chronic hepatitis B has positive HBsAg for 1 year, HBV DNA 85,000 IU/mL, ALT 112 U/L, and no cirrhosis. He drinks no alcohol.

Question

A 54-year-old man with chronic hepatitis B has positive HBsAg for 1 year, HBV DNA 85,000 IU/mL, ALT 112 U/L, and no cirrhosis. He drinks no alcohol. Which of the following is the most appropriate at this time?

Accepted Answer

Start antiviral therapy with a high-barrier nucleoside analogue

Answer

Give interferon without assessing contraindications

Answer

Treat with ribavirin monotherapy

Answer

Provide reassurance because infection is chronic

Answer

Schedule vaccination as treatment

Chronic hepatitis B — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

A 54-year-old man with chronic hepatitis B has positive HBsAg for 1 year, HBV DNA 85,000 IU/mL, ALT 112 U/L, and no cirrhosis. He drinks no alcohol. Which of the following is the most appropriate at this time?