Hepatitis B sero-prevalence among hematology patients: importance of Anti-HbcAb and efficiency of antiviral prophylaxis

OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis B infection is an important problem in immune suppressed patients. Anti HbcAb is an important marker that shows past exposure to virus. In this study, we retrospectively searched HBV serology among the patients who had Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) or chemotherapies (CT) at Medicalpark Izmir Hospital Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit; changes in viral parameters throughout therapy; and tried to find the efficiency of antiviral prophylaxis. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the viral parameters; HbsAg, Anti HbsAb, Anti Hbc IgG, HbeAg, Anti Hbe Ab, HBV DNA, HCV RNA which were carried out before BMT and CT. We grouped the patients as latent HBV infection and inactive carriers. Started antiviral treatment as prophylaxis, monitored the changes in serological parameters and defined HBV related situations. RESULTS: A total of 584 patients were evaluated retrospectively. Twenty patients were having latent HBV infection. Ten patients were inactive carriers of HBV. In post-transplant period, the patients were screened for 11 months (1–38 months). None of the patients experienced HBV activation during follow period. CONCLUSION: The best approach in HbcAb positive patients with planned immunosuppressive treatment is the use of anti-viral agents before immune suppression and close monitoring of the patients HBV-related markers.