Gastroenterologists Have Suboptimal Hepatitis B Virus Screening Rates in Patients Receiving Immunosuppressive Therapy

Abstract

HBV screening prior to immunosuppressive therapy is suboptimal, especially among gastroenterologists. Efforts to improve screening rates in at risk populations are needed.

Using health-system-wide data to understand hepatitis B virus prophylaxis and reactivation outcomes in patients receiving rituximab

“…[21–23,29] Studies looking at a broader range of immunosuppressants reported HBV screening rates of 6% to 62%, with wide variations according to ordering clinic. [30–34] As described in other settings, we also found patients seen by nephrologists and kidney transplant patients to have the highest probability of adequate screening. [30] …”

“…[30–34] As described in other settings, we also found patients seen by nephrologists and kidney transplant patients to have the highest probability of adequate screening. [30] …”

“…[28] Variables included in the models were decided a priori and based on previously reported predictors of risk for HBV that may have influenced providers’ decisions to test. [29,30] All variables included in the models were tested for noncolinearity.…”

Improvements in hepatitis B virus screening before rituximab therapy: A community‐based, safety‐net hospital experience

“…21,22 In our current study, although overall HBV screening rates were suboptimal, HBV screening before RTX improved nearly 5-fold over the span of the study. Studies among patients who receive RTX also demonstrate suboptimal HBV screening rates.…”

Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Hepatitis B Reactivation

“…At the author's institution, a retrospective review of 4008 patients who had received immunosuppressive therapy for both malignant and non-malignant disease showed only 46.7 % of patients screened prior to initiating treatment [80]. Among patients receiving rituximab, only 48.3 % patients were screened, compared to 35.7 % who received nonrituximab-containing treatment.…”