Hepatitis B virus reactivation with clinical flare in allogeneic stem cell transplants with chronic graft-versus-host disease.
We conducted a retrospective study with the aim of identifying risk factors and clinical characteristics associated with HBV reactivation and clinical flare after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (aSCT). We reviewed the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry database from January 1998 to June 2000. Complete serological screening for HBV was available in 128 of 131 patients transplanted during that period. Fifty-four (42%) had evidence of prior infection and recovery from HBV before transplant (hepatitis B core antibody positive, B surface antigen negative). Forty-two were evaluable for HBV reactivation and clinical flare. Six (14%) reactivated with clinical flare as documented by seroconversion and/or positive HBV DNA in the serum with biochemical hepatitis at 5.5, 18, 18, 19, 21 and 23 months post-transplant. Five of fifteen patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) reactivated with clinical flare in contrast to 1/27 without cGVHD (RR: 9.0, 95% CI: 1.2-70.1 P < 0.02). HBV reactivation with clinical flare occurred during immunosuppressive therapy tapering or withdrawal in all patients. In conclusion, hepatitis B core antibody positive allogeneic stem cell recipients with cGVHD are at significant risk of HBV reactivation with clinical flare.
Seth
P
P
Department of Oncology, Section of Adult Hematology/BMT, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center Health Care System, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Alrajhi
A A
AA
Kagevi
I
I
Chaudhary
M A
MA
Colcol
E
E
Sahovic
E
E
Aljurf
M
M
Gyger
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000150:complications*; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous / Q000009:adverse effects; D014775:Virus Activation
D004279:DNA, Viral; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents