AGA’s latest guideline categorizes patients based on their HBV infection status, dividing them into two groups: chronic hepatitis B patients and those previously exposed to HBV. These groups are further classified into low, medium, and high reactivation risk categories depending on the immunosuppressive medication they are taking.
Key takeaways:
- Both current HBsAg-positive patients and those with previous HBV exposure, including those with immunity, are at risk of virus reactivation while on immunosuppressive drugs.
- Reactivated HBV can lead to liver damage, hospitalization, and even death.
- These risks outweigh the potential side effects of antiviral medication. For at-risk patients who do not start prophylactic antiviral medication, close follow-up by both patients and providers is crucial to prevent missed reactivation.
- Antiviral treatments are readily available in the U.S.
Read the full AGA clinical practice guideline on the prevention and treatment of HBV reactivation in at-risk patients in the February issue of Gastroenterology.
