Reactivation of hepatitis B virus in a hepatitis B surface antigen-negative patient with membranous nephropathy treated with immunosuppression

Abstract

A 75-year-old man receiving immunosuppressive therapy due to membranous nephropathy was admitted to our hospital with liver dysfunction in October 2011. Though laboratory data in November 2010 showed HB surface antigen negative, anti-HB surface antibody negative, anti-HB core antibody positive, on admission data showed HB surface antigen positive and HBV-DNA positive. He was diagnosed as de novo B hepatitis and administration of entecavir was started and his liver function recovered. Though reactivation of hepatitis B virus in the patients with renal diseases is rare, more attention should be paid when treating immunosuppressive therapy for patients with renal disease and further studies are needed. © 2013 The Japan Society of Hepatology.