Viral Hepatitis: Review of Arthritic Complications and Therapy for Arthritis in the Presence of Active HBV/HCV 

Vassilopoulos D, Calabrese LH

Chronic infection with hepatitis B (HBV) or C (HCV) virus, which currently affect approximately 7 % of the world population, is encountered with the same frequency among patients with arthritis starting biological or non-biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Treatment with biological agents, including anti-tumor necrosis factor agents, rituximab, and abatacept, without appropriate antiviral therapy has been associated with reactivation of HBV infection which in some cases can lead to life-threatening complications, indicating the need for appropriate screening and treatment of these patients. In this review, the latest data regarding HBV or HCV-related arthritic complications and treatment of rheumatic diseases in the presence of chronic HBV or HCV infection will be critically presented.