The Journal of the Korean Rheumatism Association  2007;14(3):242-250

doi:10.4078/jkra.2007.14.3.242

Anti-TNF-alpha Therapy in Rheumatic Diseases with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection.

Hye Ryeon YUN 1 ; Tae Jong KIM ; Tae Hwan KIM ; Ho Soon CHOI ; Sang Cheol BAE

Affiliations

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Keywords

Anti-TNF-alpha; Rheumatic disease; Hepatitis B virus

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha therapy in patients with rheumatic disease and chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. METHODS: We used infliximab or etanercept therapy in patients with rheumatic disease and chronic HBV infection. Records concerning these patients were retrospectively reviewed for the duration of disease, treatment, serological status and biological data. RESULTS: Six relevant cases with chronic HBV infection were identified: three of RA; three of AS. Four patients had received etanercept; two had been given etanercept after infliximab. One of the cases treated with lamivudine before anti-TNF-alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis B treatment. His hepatitis status was maintained stable after he initiated anti-TNF-alpha therapy. Five of the cases started anti-TNF-alpha therapy without lamivudine. Two of these five cases were received lamivudine during anti-TNF-alpha therapy due to elevation of HBV DNA titer without liver function test abnormality and then HBV DNA was normalized. Three cases without lamivudine continued to show the stable level of liver enzyme but, one of the three cases showed persistently elevated HBV DNA titer. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic or early intervention strategies with anti-viral agent and regular monitoring of aminotransferases and viral load are needed for patient with evidence of chronic HBV infection.