Spontaneous Clearance of Hepatitis B Surface Antigenemia After Long-term Hemodialysis
Publication Date
2014
Journal Title
Semin Dial
Abstract
Persistent infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) [as indicated by chronic HBV surface antigenemia (HBsAg)] continues to be an important problem in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and specifically in those receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Patients on HD who are HBsAg-positive for a year have little chance of ever eliminating the virus; hence, clearance of HBsAg is a rare event in long-term HD patients. We report the case of a 62-year-old diabetic woman who was HBsAg-positive at the time she started HD and remained so until 10years later when she became HBsAg-negative followed by the development of hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). Prior to her seroconversion, she suffered a persistent infection of her HD arteriovenous graft (AVG) that required prolonged antibiotics and several surgical procedures. We speculate that this immune stimulation contributed to her seroconversion.
Volume Number
27
Issue Number
1
Pages
57-59
Document Type
Article
EPub Date
2013/10/18
Status
Faculty, Northwell Researcher
Facility
School of Medicine; Northwell Health
Primary Department
Obstetrics and Gynecology
PMID
DOI
10.1111/sdi.12154