Hepatitis B reactivation after thalidomide

Anti-rheumatic drug-induced hepatitis B virus reactivation and preventive strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma

To date, an estimated 3 million people worldwide have been infected with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). Although anti-HBV therapies have improved the long-term survival profile of chronic carriers, viral reactivation still poses a significant challenge for preventing HBV-related hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and death. Immuno-modulating drugs, which are widely applied in managing rheumatic conditions, are commonly associated with HBV reactivation (HBVr) as a result of drug-induced immune suppression. However, there are few reports on the risk of HBVr and the medication management plan for HBV carriers, especially rheumatic patients. In this review, we summarize immuno-modulating drug-induced HBVr during rheumatoid therapy and its preventive strategies for HBVr-induced liver diseases, especially cirrhosis and HCC. These findings will assist with developing treatments for rheumatic patients, and prevent HBV-related cirrhosis and HCC.

Substantial variation in post-engraftment infection prophylaxis and revaccination practice in autologous stem cell transplant patients

There is a paucity of evidence supporting the necessity or duration of Pneumocystis jirovecii and antiviral prophylaxis as well as revaccination following autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). A survey aimed at evaluating these policies was distributed to 34 ASCT centres across Australasia. The 26 survey respondents demonstrated significant heterogeneity in their infection prophylaxis and revaccination strategy post-transplant despite the availability of consensual guidelines.

Management of Multiple Myeloma Complicated by Hepatitis C Virus Reactivation: The Role of New Antiviral Therapy

Reactivation of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been reported in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. In this study, we report the first case, to our knowledge, of thalidomide-induced acute exacerbation and reactivation of chronic HCV infection complicating management of multiple myeloma. Sofosbuvir-based antiviral therapy helped achieve viral clearance and normalization of liver enzymes, thus allowing access to future potentially life-saving chemotherapy agents.