Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from non-replicative hepatitis B virus carriers is safe
Journal of Hepatology, vol.31, no.2, pp.202-209, 1999 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 31 Issue: 2
- Publication Date: 1999
- Doi Number: 10.1016/s0168-8278(99)80214-1
- Journal Name: Journal of Hepatology
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.202-209
- Keywords: Adoptive immunity, Hepatitis B virus, Immunosuppression, Liver, Stem cell transplantation
- Lokman Hekim University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Background/Aims: Hepatitis B virus can cause serious problems in individuals undergoing organ transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatic events among HBs-Ag positive recipients and HBs-Ag negative recipients who received products from hepatitis B virus carriers. Methods: A total of 151 patients received an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at the Department of Hematology-Oncology, University of Ankara, between June 1989 and June 1998. Among these, eight HBs-Ag positive and four HBs-Ag negative recipients received a product from a hepatitis B virus positive donor. The median follow-up period for these 12 patients was 13.2 months. Results: Three of the eight HBs-Ag positive recipients died (one from hepatic failure); of the remainder, two are HBs-Ag negative, two HBs-Ag positive with normal liver injury tests and one HBs-Ag positive with elevated ALT levels. Of the four HBs-Ag negative recipients who received stem cells from a hepatitis B positive donor, two died; none of the patients in this group became HBs-Ag positive after transplantation. Conclusion: Hepatitis B virus infection is a common problem in patients being considered for allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplantation, especially in areas where hepatitis B virus infection is endemic. We believe that the presence of HBs- Ag positivity is not an absolute contraindication for allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplantation unless the hepatitis B virus is in a replication phase.