What monitoring is essential for patients undergoing antiviral treatment for Hepatitis B?

Routine liver function tests are essential for patients undergoing antiviral treatment for Hepatitis B because these tests provide crucial information about the liver's health and functionality. Hepatitis B can lead to liver inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, and antiviral treatments are aimed at reducing viral load and preventing liver damage. Monitoring liver function tests helps assess the effectiveness of the antiviral therapy and detect any adverse effects that could compromise liver function.

Elevated liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), can indicate worsening liver inflammation, while other tests can provide insight into synthetic liver function and the presence of liver disease. This regular monitoring allows for timely interventions if complications arise and helps guide ongoing treatment decisions, ensuring that the patient's liver health is optimally managed throughout their antiviral therapy.