Information for the public
Medical terms explained
Medical terms explained
Antiviral
An antiviral is a drug used to treat a viral condition. Antivirals used to treat chronic hepatitis B include entecavir, lamivudine, peginterferon alfa‑2a and tenofovir disoproxil. NICE recommends these antivirals for off-label use in people with chronic hepatitis B in some circumstances. Please see the NICE guideline for details.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis occurs when the liver becomes scarred because of damage caused by hepatitis B, hepatitis C or alcohol use. Scarring (or fibrosis) causes bumps or nodules to form in the liver that prevent the liver working normally. Over time, cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer if left untreated.
Compensated liver disease
Compensated liver disease occurs when the liver is damaged but is still able to function normally.
Decompensated liver disease
Decompensated liver disease occurs when the liver is so severely damaged that it can no longer carry out its normal functions. In decompensated cirrhosis there are other serious complications such as bleeding.
Fibrosis
Fibrosis is a progressive form of liver disease that can be caused by hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Damage to liver cells results in scarring that prevents the liver from working normally.
Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)
Hepatitis B e antigen is a protein produced by cells infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), although some variant forms of the virus do not produce the e antigen.
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
Hepatitis B surface antigen is a protein found on the surface of the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
Liver function test
A liver function test is a blood test that measures liver injury. An abnormal result shows that the liver is not working normally.