Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation with immunosuppressive therapy in rheumatic diseases: assessment and preventive strategies

Understanding of the natural history and basic biology of hepatitis B virus ( HBV) has increased greatly in recent years. In view of this, the following are reviewed here: ( a) recent advances in HBV biology pertinent to the rheumatic disease population; ( b) the risks of HBV reactivation in patients with rheumatic disease undergoing immunosuppression; and ( c) potential strategies to manage these risks.