Vaccination against hepatitis B in patients with chronic liver disease

The prevalence of chronic liver disease is increasing, while at the same time, many at-risk populations are witnessing a resurgence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Thus, more patients are likely to have multiple causes of liver disease, as risk factors often overlap. Such patients may develop either acute viral hepatitis superimposed on pre-existing chronic liver disease or chronic infection with two hepatitis viruses. Patients with chronic HBV and hepatitis C virus coinfection have more severe laboratory abnormalities, more hepatic fibrosis, and greater frequency of cirrhosis, in addition to more complications of cirrhosis and a higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Acute hepatitis B superimposed on chronic hepatitis C may result in fulminant hepatitis, although this outcome is not as well proven as the increased morbidity of chronic hepatitis B and C coinfection. Both acute and chronic coinfection with HBV can be prevented. Vaccines for hepatitis B are safe in patients with chronic liver disease of a variety of causes and are effective, particularly if used early. Early vaccination against hepatitis B, as well as hepatitis A, should be part of the routine management of chronic liver disease. Copyright © 2006 by Current Science Inc.