Complications Of Treatment Against SARS-CoV-2: Risk Of Hepatitis B Reactivation Associated With Corticosteroids

Abstract

has led to using all available resources to curb the disease. As we have learned more about the virus, more targeted drugs have been prescribed. The inflammation phase is perhaps the most worrisome. It requires therapies that slow down the immune system activation [1]. Corticosteroids are the favorite drug. However, dosages and maintenance regime are still uncertain. We have already started to have some results on its effectiveness [2], which were not available at the beginning. We have used a three-day regimen of 125 or 250 mg methylprednisolone pulses according to clinical-analytical severity in our hospital. However, corticosteroids are not without risks. One of the most frequent risks is the reactivation of infections. Reactivation of the hepatitis B virus is especially important because it is frequent and we can prevent it. In addition, a recent study has linked chronic HBV infection with a decreased clearance rate of SARS-CoV-2 [3]. Therefore, we review the recommendations on the prophylaxis of reactivation of HBV infection in patients receiving corticosteroid pulses.