Clin Mol Hepatol.  2019 Dec;25(4):366-373. 10.3350/cmh.2018.0111.

Hepatitis B screening rates and reactivation in solid organ malignancy patients undergoing chemotherapy in Southern Thailand

• Laiwatthanapaisan R
• Sripongpun P
• Chamroonkul N
• Dechaphunkul A
• Sathitruangsak C
• Sakdejayont S
• Kongkamol
• Piratvisuth T

• KMID: 2467246
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3350/cmh.2018.0111

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) following chemotherapy (CMT) is well-known among hematologic malignancies, and screening recommendations are established. However, HBVr data in solid organ malignancy (SOM) patients are limited. This study aims to determine hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening rates, HBV prevalence, and the rate of significant hepatitis caused by HBVr in SOM patients undergoing CMT.
METHODS
Based on the Oncology unit's registration database from 2009-2013, we retrospectively reviewed records of all SOM patients ≥18 years undergoing CMT at Songklanagarind Hospital who were followed until death or ≥6 months after CMT sessions. Exclusion criteria included patients without baseline liver function tests (LFTs) and who underwent CMT before the study period. We obtained and analyzed baseline clinical characteristics, HBsAg screening, and LFT data during follow-up.
RESULTS
Of 3,231 cases in the database, 810 were eligible. The overall HBsAg screening rate in the 5-year period was 27.7%. Screening rates were low from 2009-2012 (7.8-21%) and increased in 2013 to 82.9%. The prevalence of HBV among screened patients was 7.1%. Of those, 75% underwent prophylactic antiviral therapy. During the 6-month follow-up period, there were three cases of significant hepatitis caused by HBVr (4.2% of all significant hepatitis cases); all were in the unscreened group.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of HBV in SOM patients undergoing CMT in our study was similar to the estimated prevalence in general Thai population, but the screening rate was quite low. Cases of HBVr causing significant hepatitis occurred in the unscreened group; therefore, HBV screening and treatment in SOM patients should be considered in HBV-endemic areas.

Keyword

Hepatitis B, Chronic; Virus activation; Chemotherapy; Drug-related side effects and adverse reactions

MeSH Terms

Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Drug Therapy*
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Follow-Up Studies
Hematologic Neoplasms
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
Hepatitis B virus
Hepatitis B*
Hepatitis B, Chronic
Hepatitis*
Humans
Liver Function Tests
Mass Screening*
Prevalence
Retrospective Studies
Thailand*
Virus Activation
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens