Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Undergoing Tocilizumab-Containing Treatment.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aim

To investigate the risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients undergoing long-term tocilizumab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.

Method

From January 2011 through August 2019, a total of 97 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinical data, comedications, and the occurrence of HBV reactivation were recorded.

Results

Seven patients were HBsAg+ (7.2%), 64 were HBsAg-/HBcAb+ (65.9%), and 26 were HBsAg-/HBcAb- (26.8%). The median disease follow-up time was 9 years. TCZ was administered for a median of 29 months. Four patients (4.1%) experienced HBV reactivation after tocilizumab therapy. Of the 7 HBsAg+ patients, 4 received antiviral prophylaxis and had no HBV reactivation; the remaining 3 patients did not receive antiviral prophy

SUBMITTER: Kuo MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7775841 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature