Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of Hepatitis b virus (HBV) serological groups in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to compare the demographic characteristics and frequency of parenteral therapies between patient groups with and without previous HBV infection.
Methods: Charts of RA patients were examined retrospectively. HBsAg, anti-HBc IgG, and anti-HBs test results were screened. All participants were divided into 3 serological groups (patients naive to HBV infection, previous HBV infection, vaccinated). Those with previous HBV infection were further divided into 3 serological subgroups (naturally immune, anti-HBc IgG positive only, chronic HBV infection). Findings were compared between RA patients with and without previous HBV infection.
Results: Four hundred and fifty-one patients (female/male: 343/108) were included. The prevalence of patients naive to HBV infection, with previous HBV infection and vaccinated were 59.4%, 33.7%, and 6.9%, respectively. The prevalence of patients with naturally immune, anti-HBc IgG positive only, and chronic HBV infection were 25.7%, 4.4%, and 3.5%, respectively. Age in RA patients with and without previous HBV infection was 60.8±12.4 and 56.7±14.2 years, respectively(p<0.001). The frequency of previously administered joint injection, subcutaneous and intravenous therapies in RA patients was not different between the groups (p=0.644, p=0.796, and p=0.686, respectively).
Conclusions: Chronic HBV infection in RA patients is close to the prevalence in the Turkish population. Previous HBV infection is common in RA and this group is older than those without previous HBV infection. Parenteral therapies in RA treatment options do not change the frequency of HBV exposure.
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Clinical Sciences |
Journal Section | Original Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | July 29, 2021 |
Submission Date | February 11, 2021 |
Acceptance Date | March 5, 2021 |
Published in Issue | Year 2021 |