Abstract
BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients positive for antibody to HB core antigen (anti-HBc), negative for HB surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV-DNA (potential occult HBV carriers), treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, is a debated question. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety of anti-TNFα therapy in anti-HBc positive/HBsAg negative subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthropathy (SpA). MethodsAll consecutive HBsAg negative RA and SpA outpatients referring to the Immuno-Rheumatology Institute at the S. Andrea hospital, Sapienza, University of Rome who had to undergo anti-TNFα therapy. ResultsAmong the 169 enrolled subjects, 20 (12%) were potential occult HBV carriers (anti-HBc positive, HBsAg and HBV-DNA negative patients with or without anti-HBs). During the follow-up (mean±SD 45±22months), aminotransferases and HBV-DNA, tested every two and six months respectively, did not change. ConclusionThis study confirms the substantial safety of anti-TNFα therapy in potential occult HBV carriers RA and SpA patients.
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