HBV Reactivation in Patients with Isolated HBcAb Positivity Undergoing Stem Cell Transplant

Previous studies have demonstrated high rates of hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) in patients with HBsAg positivity receiving chemotherapy/immunosuppressive therapy. This risk is present even in those with isolated HBcAb positivity (HBsAg and HBsAb negative), since these patients may have occult HBV infection that can lead to reactivation after profound immunosuppression. A recent prospective study noted an HBVr rate of 41.5% in isolated HBcAb-positive patients receiving rituximab-containing regimens (J Clin Oncol Nov 2014; 32:3736).

Now, investigators in Hong Kong have conducted a 3-year prospective, observational study to evaluate the HBVr rate and risk factors for reactivation in patients with isolated HBcAb positivity with undetecta…