The frequency of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with bone marrow transplantation

Objective: All patients with serologic evidence of a previous hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have the risk of reactivation. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV infection/reactivation and to identify possible factors causing reactivation in patients who underwent bone marrow transplantation. Methods: In total, 442 patients who underwent allogeneic and autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation between April 2011 and December 2016 were included. Hepatitis B virus serologies, chemotherapy regimens received, and antiviral treatments were retrospectively evaluated. Results: The number of HBsAg-positive patients was 36 (8.1%) and that of HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive patients was 74 (16.7%); antiviral treatment was given to all patients. There was no HBV reactivation at the median follow-up of 21 months. Conclusion: All patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy should be screened for HBV infection and evaluated for the prophylactic treatment of HBV. Thus, the risk of HBV reactivation is minimized, and a preventive approach should always be considered for patients.