012 - Hepatitis B. Risk of reactivation following immunosuppressive therapy
Autor(s): S. Ricca Rosellini, R.M. Dorizzi, C. Cancellieri, E. De Vergori, V. Lunedei, I. Manzi, A. Simone, F. Pieraccini, E. Ricci
Issue: RIMeL - IJLaM, Vol. 5, N. 1, 2009 (MAF Servizi srl ed.)
Page(s): 12-16
Hepatitis B reactivation in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy and immunosuppressive therapy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The risk of reactivation of hepatitis B is highest in patients undergoing chemotherapy for haematological malignancies and it has been described after several immunosuppressive treatments. Hepatitis B reactivation can be prevented by prophylactic therapy with oral nucleoside/nucleotide analogues. Lamivudine prophylaxis during chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy is effective in reducing the rate of hepatitis B reactivation and related mortality. All patients undergoing chemo- or immunosuppressive therapy should be screened for hepatitis B infection and started on lamivudine prophylaxis.