4/2007Chronic viral hepatitis – epidemiological and clinical aspects

TERESA WOŹNIAKOWSKA-GĘSICKA (III Klinika Pediatrii Instytutu „Centrum Zdrowia Matki Polki” w Łodzi; Kierownik Kliniki: prof. dr hab. med. Teresa Woźniakowska-Gęsicka)

Summary
Chronic hepatitis continues to be an important public health concern worldwide. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are two major causes of chronic hepatitis. Complications from chronic hepatitis include cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A major cause of morbidity and mortality, chronic hepatitis represents a global pandemic.

Key words: chronic hepatitis, HBV, HCV