Why is hepatitis B virus (HBV) panel required for certain drugs?
Why is Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Panel Required for Certain Drugs?
Why is Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Panel Required for Certain Drugs?
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) panel is required for certain drugs, particularly biological and targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs), due to the risk of HBV reactivation. These drugs, which include tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, rituximab, tocilizumab, abatacept, and tofacitinib, are used to treat resistant rheumatic diseases by suppressing the immune system. However, this immunosuppression can lead to the reactivation of latent HBV infections, which can have serious consequences such as elevated HBV DNA levels and potentially fatal liver failure[1][2].
Screening for HBV before initiating these treatments is crucial because many patients may be unaware of their HBV status. In the United States, for example, an estimated 875,000 people live with chronic HBV, and up to 11 million have had prior or resolved HBV infections. Many of these individuals are undiagnosed or unaware of their infection, making universal screening a practical and necessary step to ensure patient safety[2].
The guidelines recommend screening all patients for HBV before starting biological treatments to identify those at risk and to provide prophylactic treatment if necessary. This approach helps prevent HBV reactivation and ensures that patients receive high-quality care while minimizing the risk of severe liver complications[1][2].
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