The Effect of Latent Hepatitis B Infection on Autoimmune Hepatitis Treatment Outcomes

This study aimed to determine how latent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects the treatment response and disease progression in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). We retrospectively analyzed clinical and laboratory data from 36 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative AIH patients, classified based on anti-HBc immunoglobulin G (IgG) status to identify latent HBV presence. Among these, 13 patients (36.1%) were anti-HBc IgG-positive, indicating latent HBV infection, while 23 patients (63.9%) were negative. Liver function markers were assessed at diagnosis and after one year of standard immunosuppressive therapy to determine treatment response. Our results indicate that patients harboring latent HBV exhibit a poorer biochemical response to AIH treatment, with persistently elevated liver enzymes and impaired liver function markers compared to those without latent infection. These findings highlight the potential impact of latent HBV on disease progression and treatment efficacy in AIH. We therefore recommend comprehensive screening for latent HBV in all AIH patients before immunosuppressive therapy and consideration of antiviral prophylaxis to improve therapeutic outcomes.