Long-term anti-TNFα therapy for ankylosing spondylitis in two patients with chronic HBV infection

Anti-TNF alpha therapy for rheumatic diseases appears to be safe in patients with chronic hepatitis C. However, the administration of anti-TNF alpha agents without initiation of prophylactic antiviral therapy (lamivudine 100 mg/day) in patients with chronic HBV infection results in exacerbation of liver disease. In this report, we describe our experience of long-term anti-TNF alpha therapy for ankylosing spondylitis in two inactive HBsAg carriers without preemptive antiviral treatment.