HBeAg-negative hepatitis B in a previously thalassemic patient during immunosuppressive therapy for chronic GVHD

Bone Marrow Transplant. 1998 Nov;22(9):919-21. doi: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1701433.

Abstract

We report the case of a 15-year-old previously thalassemic girl who, 15 months after allogeneic BMT, developed HBeAg-negative hepatitis B (variant with mu-1896). In the absence of another route of transmission, HBV reactivation is postulated. The time of emergence of the HBV variant (with mu-1896) is probably related to the development of anti-HBe immunity. This mutant strain is associated with fulminant hepatitis. The patient achieved complete remission and HBV eradication despite having moderate GVHD and receiving immunosuppressive therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Graft vs Host Disease / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis B / etiology*
  • Hepatitis B / immunology
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • beta-Thalassemia / therapy*

Substances

  • Hepatitis B e Antigens
  • Immunosuppressive Agents