HBV Seroconversion After Using Rituximab

Özet

Aim: It is known that there is an increase in reactivation of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in immunosuppressive conditions especially after using Rituximab. In this study we aimed to evaluate the HBV seroconversion in patients who have been treated with different regimens containing Rituximab. We examined the relationship between the diagnosis of the patients, the given treatments to patients and HBV reactivation. Material and Method: In this study, 157 patients having Rituximab treatment were evaluated retrospectively in the aspect of HBV seroconversion, in Ataturk University Medicine Faculty Hematology Clinic, between 1 January 2010-31 December 2014. Results: Of the patients, 96 (61.1%) were male and 61 (38.9%) were female. The mean age was 59.75 (21-91) years. When alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B virus-deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV-DNA) levels before treatment and at least one year follow up period after treatment were evaluated; 13 (8.2%) patients had HBV infection reactivation, 84 (53.5%) patients had no HBV infection reactivation, and also 60 (38.3%) patients weren’t evaluated after treatment. In the analysis of the treatments that patients took, patients diagnosis and HBV infection reactivation at least one year follow up period after the treatment, there wasn’t seen statistical difference. Conclusion: As a result of this study, it was concluded that it would be appropriate to raise the awareness of physicians about the follow-up of HBV infection in patients who are planned or receiving Rituximab treatment and to provide standardization in the follow-up of these patients.