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Abstract Details
Recent FDA warnings on hepatitis B reactivation with immune-suppressing and anti-cancer drugs: Just the tip of the iceberg?
Di Bisceglie AM1, Lok AS, Martin P, Terrault N, Perrillo RP, Hoofnagle JH. Hepatology. 2014 Nov 21. doi: 10.1002/hep.27609. [Epub ahead of print]
Author information
1Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO.
Abstract
Reactivation of hepatitis B in the context of immunosuppressive therapy may be severe and potentially fatal. The FDA has recently drawn attention to the potentially fatal risk of hepatitis B reactivation in patients receiving the anti-CD20 agents, ofatumumab or rituximab. This action focuses attention on the broader issue of HBV reactivation which may occur with a wide variety of immunosuppressive therapies in benign or malignant disease. This manuscript summarizes the data behind this issue. These data support the recommendation that all patients undergoing chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapy, HSCT or solid organ transplantation be screened for active or prior HBV infection by testing for HBsAg and anti-HBc in serum. Those who are found to be HBsAg positive should start appropriate antiviral therapy to prevent reactivation. Additionally, even those who have recovered from hepatitis B will benefit from antiviral therapy in certain circumstances because of the risks associated with a form of HBV reactivation referred to as reverse seroconversion. There remain many uncertain areas that warrant further study and further advances will benefit from close interactions between various medical specialties, regulatory agencies and researchers.
CONCLUSIONS:
There is good evidence to support routine screening of all patients for hepatitis B prior to undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment. Use of prompt antiviral treatment appears to diminish the risk of severe or fatal reactivation of hepatitis B.