Evaluating the Potential for Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in COVID-19 Patients Undergoing Corticosteroid Therapy: A Retrospective Observational Study - Scorecard - MDSpire

Evaluating the Potential for Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in COVID-19 Patients Undergoing Corticosteroid Therapy: A Retrospective Observational Study

  • By

  • Daša Stupica

  • Stefan Collinet-Adler

  • Janina Jerman Grašič

  • Deja Juriševič

  • Nataša Kejžar

  • Mario Poljak

  • Tina Štamol

  • January 20, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Evaluating the Potential for Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in COVID-19 Patients Undergoing Corticosteroid Therapy: A Retrospective Observational Study

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionHepatitis B Virus Reactivation in COVID-19 Patients
Key MechanismsSystemic corticosteroids may reactivate latent HBV infections.
Target PopulationHospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 requiring corticosteroids.
Care SettingUniversity Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Key Highlights

  • Corticosteroids recommended for COVID-19 may increase HBV reactivation risk.
  • Risk of HBV reactivation is substantial in HBsAg positive patients on high-dose corticosteroids.
  • EASL recommends antiviral therapy for patients with chronic or resolved HBV undergoing corticosteroid treatment.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Screen for anti-HBc in all patients undergoing corticosteroid therapy for COVID-19.
  • Reflex HBsAg testing in anti-HBc positive cases.

Management

  • Consider antiviral prophylaxis for individuals with detectable HBV DNA.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Assess transaminases and HBV DNA levels in anti-HBc positive patients.

Risks

  • Increased risk of HBV reactivation with high-dose corticosteroids (>20 mg prednisone daily).

Patient & Prescribing Data

Adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Corticosteroids used include dexamethasone 6 mg daily or equivalent.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Adhere to EASL guidelines for HBV management in corticosteroid-treated COVID-19 patients.
  • Monitor HBV status in patients receiving systemic corticosteroids.

References

Original Source(s)

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