Hepatitis B virus reactivation induced by glucocorticoids: an important issue requiring urgent attention in dermatology

Abstract

There is a high incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in China, and dermatologists often encounter patients with skin diseases complicated by HBV infection in clinic. With the widespread use of systemic glucocorticoids in dermatology, HBV reactivation has become a constant problem to face in the treatment process. Attention should be given to risk factors of HBV reactivation, including HBV DNA replication, positive hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) and positive hepatitis B core antibodies (HBcAb) . According to HBV serological markers, risk stratification of HBV reactivation induced by glucocorticoids needs to be grasped, and treatment measures should be taken timely to prevent HBV reactivation. In this way, liver function impairment induced by HBV reactivation during the course of glucocorticoid therapy may be avoided to the greatest extent, which is of great benefit to clinical work. Key words: Glucocorticoids; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis B; Virus activation