Anti-HBs-positive liver failure due to hepatitis B virus reactivation induced by rituximab
Toshiki Sera, Yoichi Hiasa, Kojiro Michitaka, Ichiro Konishi, Kana Matsuura, Yoshio Tokumoto, Bunzo Matsuura, Takeshi Kajiwara, Toshikazu Masumoto, Norio Horiike, Morikazu Onji, Toshiki Sera, Yoichi Hiasa, Kojiro Michitaka, Ichiro Konishi, Kana Matsuura, Yoshio Tokumoto, Bunzo Matsuura, Takeshi Kajiwara, Toshikazu Masumoto, Norio Horiike, Morikazu Onji
Abstract
A 59-year-old man developed acute hepatitis with reactivated hepatitis B virus (HBV) following administration of rituximab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody). The patient was diagnosed with malignant lymphoma in 1998, and virus marker testing indicated HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative and anti-HBs antibody (anti-HBs)-positive results when chemotherapy including rituximab was started. Levels of aminotransferases were elevated, and HBsAg results turned positive. Despite therapy for late-onset hepatic failure, the patient died. Rituximab appears likely to have induced HBV reactivation in this case. Anti-viral agents should be administered for both HBsAg-positive and anti-HBs-positive patients who are scheduled to receive rituximab.
Source: PubMed