Short Report Recommendations for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B infection in children

Hepatitis B infection is endemic in our region and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. These guidelines have been prepared to help physicians in our country in the diagnosis and management of Pediatric HBV infection. It is estimated that greater than 350 million people worldwide have Hepatitis B infection. In Pakistan, there are estimated to be 4.5 million carriers of HBV with a carrier rate of 3-4%.1 Mode of transmission Hepatitis B is transmitted perinatally from mother to the baby, through contaminated body fluids, amongst families by horizontal transmission and also by the use of unscreened blood and blood products. It is also transmitted via the use of contaminated needles, surgical and dental equipment. Children who need to be tested for HB