Abstract
New immuno-therapeutic agents like pembrolizumab used in cancer treatment are known to cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Most of these cases are straightforward when the onset of transaminitis correlates with the introduction of the medication. This agent causing hepatitis B reactivation has been reported only once. To have both these adverse effects occurring at the same time in a patient is uncommon and presents a clinical challenge.Our patient was a 49-year-old gentleman diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung seven months ago. He was started on pembrolizumab, as the malignant tissue obtained during biopsy had high program death-ligand 1 (PDL1) expression. On reviewing the labs ordered during the time of cancer diagnosis, this man has evidence of chronic hepatitis B with positive hepatitis B surface antigen and positive hepatitis B core immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody. He presented with acute hepatitis, and workup showed features of hepatitis B reactivation, but the extent of reactivation was not adequate to explain the presentation, hence investigations were pursued. This led the way to the diagnosis of a combined hepatitis B reactivation and drug-induced immune hepatitis in this case. He responded promptly to the withdrawal of the agent and steroids. On follow-up, his liver function panel had significantly improved. This case is very unique in two aspects. First, to our knowledge, there is only one case reported of pembrolizumab-induced hepatitis B reactivation. In addition, our patient also had immune-mediated hepatitis induced by pembrolizumab. It is very rare to have a combination of these two presentations to be seen in a patient at the same time. Pembrolizumab-induced immune hepatitis can coexist with hepatitis B reactivation following therapy with this agent.
Highlights
New immunotherapeutic agents like pembrolizumab used in cancer treatment are known to cause immunemediated hepatitis
Our patient was a 49-year-old gentleman diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung seven months ago. He was started on pembrolizumab, as the malignant tissue obtained during biopsy had high program death-ligand 1 (PDL1) expression
On reviewing the labs ordered during the time of cancer diagnosis, this man has evidence of chronic hepatitis B with positive hepatitis B surface antigen and positive hepatitis B core immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody
Summary
New immunotherapeutic agents like pembrolizumab used in cancer treatment are known to cause immunemediated hepatitis Most of these cases are straightforward when the onset of transaminitis correlates with the introduction of the medication. On reviewing the labs ordered during the time of cancer diagnosis, this gentleman has evidence of chronic hepatitis B with positive hepatitis B surface antigen and positive hepatitis B core immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody (negative IgM antibody). His liver enzymes seven months ago showed an alanine transaminase (ALT) of 25 Units/L, aspartate transaminase (AST) of 22 Units/L, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of 207 Units/L. The plan is to reassess him in two to four weeks with a repeat lab draw while on steroid taper
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