Palmore TN, Shah NL, Loomba R, Borg BB, Lopatin U, Feld JJ, Khokhar F, Lutchman G, Kleiner DE, Young NS, Childs R, Barrett AJ, Liang TJ, Hoofnagle JH, Heller T. Reactivation of hepatitis B with reappearance of hepatitis B surface antigen after chemotherapy and immunosuppression.
Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009;
7:1130-7. [PMID:
19577007 PMCID:
PMC2779698 DOI:
10.1016/j.cgh.2009.06.027]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2009] [Revised: 06/05/2009] [Accepted: 06/20/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS
HBV infection may reactivate in the setting of immunosuppression, although the frequency and consequences of HBV reactivation are not well known. We report 6 patients who experienced loss of serologic markers of hepatitis B immunity and reappearance of HBsAg in the serum as a result of a variety of acquired immune deficiencies.
METHODS
Between 2000 and 2005, six patients with reactivation of hepatitis B were seen in consultation by the Liver Diseases Branch at the Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health. The course and outcome of these 6 patients were reviewed.
RESULTS
All 6 patients developed reappearance of HBsAg and evidence of active liver disease after stem cell transplantation (n = 4), immunosuppressive therapy (n = 1), or change in human immunodeficiency virus antiretroviral regimen (n = 1), despite having antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) or antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) without HBsAg before. All 6 patients developed chronic hepatitis B, 2 patients transmitted hepatitis B to their spouses, and 1 patient developed cirrhosis. The diagnosis of hepatitis B reactivation was frequently missed or delayed and often required interruption of the therapy for the underlying condition. None of the patients received antiviral prophylaxis against HBV reactivation.
CONCLUSIONS
Serologic evidence of recovery from hepatitis B infection does not preclude its reactivation after immunosuppression. Screening for serologic evidence of hepatitis B and prophylaxis of those with positive results by using nucleoside analogue antiviral therapy should be provided to individuals in whom immunosuppressive therapy is planned.
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