HBeAg-negative hepatitis B in a previously thalassemic patient during immunosuppressive therapy for chronic GVHD.
We report the case of a 15-year-old previously thalassemic girl who, 15 months after allogeneic BMT, developed HBeAg-negative hepatitis B (variant with mu-1896). In the absence of another route of transmission, HBV reactivation is postulated. The time of emergence of the HBV variant (with mu-1896) is probably related to the development of anti-HBe immunity. This mutant strain is associated with fulminant hepatitis. The patient achieved complete remission and HBV eradication despite having moderate GVHD and receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
Kostaridou
S
S
First Department of Pediatrics, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, University of Athens, Greece.
Ladis
V
V
Kattamis
A
A
Laras
A
A
Hadziyannis
S J
SJ
D000293:Adolescent; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000628:therapy*
D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents