Abstract
In three patients with malignant disease HBsAg was detected in the serum at least 6 months before the development of acute hepatitis type B, which in each case followed a fulminant course to death. It is suggested that suppression of the normal immunological responses to hepatitis-B viral antigens by cytotoxic drug therapy permitted widespread infection of hepatocytes. Subsequently, upon withdrawal of these drugs, recovery of immunocompetence resulted in rapid destruction of all infected hepatocytes and massive liver damage. Screening for HBsAg before cytotoxic drug therapy, careful monitoring of liver function during its withdrawal, and prompt treatment with corticosteroids should abnormalities occur may prevent this unfortunate sequence of events.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
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Chlorambucil / therapeutic use
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Choriocarcinoma / complications*
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Choriocarcinoma / drug therapy
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Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
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Dactinomycin / therapeutic use
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Female
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Hepatitis B / etiology*
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Hepatitis B Antigens / analysis
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Humans
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Immunosuppression Therapy
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Leukemia / complications*
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Leukemia, Lymphoid / complications
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Leukemia, Lymphoid / drug therapy
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Leukemia, Myeloid / complications
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Leukemia, Myeloid / drug therapy
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Male
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Mercaptopurine / therapeutic use
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Methotrexate / therapeutic use
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Prednisolone / therapeutic use
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Pregnancy
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Substance Withdrawal Syndrome*
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Vincristine / therapeutic use
Substances
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Hepatitis B Antigens
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Chlorambucil
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Dactinomycin
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Vincristine
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Cyclophosphamide
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Prednisolone
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Mercaptopurine
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Methotrexate