MDS/Hep B

[Charlie]

I was wondering if there is anyone else out there with MDS that also had to contend with the complication of having the Hep B gene as well? According to what the doctor said it adds the additional chance of complication after stem cell translpant. Any feed back would be appreciated Thanks Charlie

[Charlie]

I guess the combination of these two is rare due to the fact that I have not gotten any feed back since the initial posting, Husband has the gene for Hep B but it is dormant right now. Doctors are concerned that it will be an additional complication when the chemo is started before the stem cell transplant Any feed back would be appreciated Thanks

[Marla]

Hello Charlie:

I believe the reason they feel that being a hep B carrier may contribute to a possible complication during chemo is because chemos lower the immune system. If your husband is a hep B carrier, then it likely means that his immune system is preventing the hep B from flaring up in his body or going out of control. But once chemo is administered, it will wipe out his immune system, and his hep B can flare up to cause trouble because there is no immune system keeping it in check. In that case they will likely have to administer anti-virals and immunoglobulins to help deal with that if the problem arises until his new marrow kicks and his immune system comes back online to fight it off.

I'm assuming he's a hep B virus carrier, and not just showing antibodies to having hep B before, right? I have not heard of a hep B "gene."

Being a hep B virus carrier is different from just having Hep B antibodies.

Hope this helps,

Marla

[Charlie]

This is how the doctor explained it to us. She said the Hep B is dormant right now.and that like you said when the chemo is administered it could become a problem. Will inquire the next time we see her to explain the difference between what she described as the gene as opposed to antigens Thanks for the response