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A Competent Hepatocyte Model Examining Hepatitis B Virus Entry through Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide as a Therapeutic Target
Published on: May 10, 2022
Inflammatory bowel disease and hepatitis B and C
J-B Chevaux1, M-A Bigard, M Bensenane
1INSERM U724, CHU de Nancy, Vandoeuvre, France.
Gastroenterologie Clinique Et Biologique
|November 10, 2009
Summary
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have evolving risks for viral hepatitis B and C. While historically considered high-risk, IBD patients now show similar or lower prevalence due to enhanced preventive measures and screening.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients were traditionally thought to have an increased risk of viral hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV).
- Historically, blood transfusions and surgery were identified as primary risk factors, suggesting nosocomial transmission.
- Recent data indicate similar or lower prevalence of viral hepatitis in IBD patients compared to the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of viral hepatitis B and C risks in inflammatory bowel disease patients.
- To discuss the impact of immunosuppressive therapy on viral reactivation and disease course.
- To emphasize the importance of screening and preventive measures for viral hepatitis in IBD management.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent epidemiologic surveys on viral hepatitis prevalence in IBD patients.
- Analysis of reported cases of viral reactivation during and after immunosuppressive therapy.
- Evaluation of preventive strategies, including vaccination and screening protocols.
Main Results:
- Improved protective measures, such as HBV vaccination and HCV-screened blood, have reduced viral hepatitis incidence in IBD.
- Immunosuppressive therapy can lead to viral reactivation, characterized by viremia during treatment and immune-mediated hepatocyte destruction post-cessation.
- Antiviral prophylaxis is effective for chronic HBV carriers; the effect of immunosuppression on HCV natural history remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- Proactive screening and preventive measures are crucial for managing viral hepatitis B and C risks in IBD patients.
- Physicians must be vigilant regarding potential viral reactivation, especially during immunosuppressive treatment.
- Continued research is needed to clarify the impact of immunosuppression on HCV progression in IBD.
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