ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to evaluate hepatitis B virus serological status and to categorize the risks of our treatment modalities in patients with both benign and malignant hematological disorders.

This was a retrospective study of 552 patients who were admitted to the Trakya University Hospital Hematology unit between 01.01.2017 and 31.12.2017. All data regarding the diagnosis, treatment and HBV serological status were collected from patient files. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS V.20 using descriptive statistical analysis.

Hepatitis B surface antigen was positive in 45 (8.2%) patients, antibody to the hepatitis B surface antigen was positive in 279 (50.5%) patients and antibody to the hepatitis B core antigen was positive in 247 (44.7%) patients. According to these results, 32 patients were found to be vaccinated for hepatitis B virus. Reactivation was observed in 4 (0.7%) patients who have been hepatitis B surface antigen positive and have received adequate duration of antiviral prophylaxis with tenofovir. These 4 patients have received monoclonal antibody for immunosuppressive treatment.

To conclude, although the rate of hepatitis B surface antigen reactivation is quite low, as many patients as possible should be vaccinated to reduce the costs of antiviral treatments and monitorization. If there is no time to vaccinate, patients should be categorized according to guidelines by their hepatitis B surface antigen serological status and by the planned immunosuppressive treatments.

Keywords: Hepatitis, hematology, immunotherapy