Peripartum cytokine flares in a multiethnic cohort of chronic hepatitis B carriers does not correlate with hepatitis B virus suppression or increased risk of liver disease. (19th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Joshi, Shivali S.; Wong, Daniel; Castillo, Eliana; Swain, Mark G.; Coffin, Carla S.
• Is Part Of: American journal of reproductive immunology. Volume 78:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-05-19
• Subjects: CHB‐pregnancy -- hepatitis B virus -- liver stiffness measurement -- Th1‐cytokines; Human reproduction -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; 616.69206
• DOI: 10.1111/aji.12707
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1046-7408

Abstract

Abstract : Problem: In chronic hepatitis B (CHB) carriers, alanine transaminase (ALT) flares are common in the peripartum period. There are limited data on immunological changes of pregnancy in CHB. We hypothesize that in pregnant CHB carriers, the Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio is altered resulting in changes in biochemical/virological and liver fibrosis markers. Study methods: Serum from 38 pregnant/post‐partum CHB carriers (median age 32 years, 53% Asian, 8 HBeAg + ) was tested for HBV DNA, quantitative HBV surface antigen, ALT and liver fibrosis by transient elastography (TE). Serum cytokines were analyzed using a Luminex assay. Results: Untreated CHB cases had mild ALT flares post‐partum, but showed normal TE, and no change in viral markers despite increased Th1 cytokines compared to healthy controls ( P <.05). Conclusion: CHB carriers show increased Th1 cytokines in the peripartum period albeit with no effect on viral load or liver disease suggesting an aborted antiviral immune response.