Epidemiological Study in Children and Adolescents With Chronic Hepatitis B

The purpose of this study is to collect epidemiological data in children and adolescents
with chronic hepatitis B(CHB), in particular data on the prevalence of HBeAg positive
disease with associated ALT levels , active HBeAg negative disease and decompensated CHB in
the pediatric population. Family history and history of HBV transmission is essential to
assess the course of the disease and can be used to determine the best mode of treatment
This information will be used to assist with the feasibility and design of studies for the
Novartis clinical pediatric development program, as the current epidemiology of ediatric CHB
is not accurately known in Western countries or the rest of the world making pediatric
studies difficult to plan and conduct. This study forms part of the Novartis Pediatric
Investigational Plan, a post marketing approval commitment to the EMEA Pediatric Committee.