Management of hepatitis B and C infections in rheumatologic disease

Publication date: December 2018Source: Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, Volume 32, Issue 6Author(s): Jonathan TL. Cheah, John J. Faragon, Kristen M. MarksAbstractHepatitis B and C viruses present dual considerations in rheumatic disease as both etiologic factors and important comorbidities that must be assessed and addressed. This review summarizes the link between hepatitis B and arthritis and polyarteritis nodosa as well as hepatitis C and arthritis, Sicca syndrome and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Recent data pertaining to the antiviral management in these conditions, especially regarding the use of the direct-acting antivirals in hepatitis C, are also presented. Additionally, guidance on testing and treatment of hepatitis B and C as comorbidities in the context of systemic inflammatory rheumatic conditions and the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic therapy are discussed.
Source: Best Practice and Research Clinical Rheumatology - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research