Hepatitis B virus-related markers in secondary and in essential mixed cryoglobulinemias: a multicentric study of 596 cases. The Italian Group for the Study of Cryoglobulinemias (GISC).

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HBV-related markers in cryoglobulinemias and the possible association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) and essential mixed cryoglobulinemia (EMC). A retrospective survey of the prevalence of HBV infection in cryoglobulinemic patients was carried out in 596 cases of cryoglobulinemia. On the basis of clinical and laboratory criteria the cases were grouped as secondary to connective tissue disease, to lymphoproliferative disorders, to chronic liver diseases or to chronic infectious diseases. The cases in which an associated disease was not evidenced were considered as essential mixed cryogobulinemias. Subjects in which liver dysfunction was first diagnosed simultaneously with cryoglobulinemia, were considered as a separate group. A greater prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBc antibodies was found in cryoglobulinemias secondary to chronic liver disease (p < 0.0001) and in those associated with liver involvement at diagnosis (p < 0.05) than that found in EMCs. The prevalence of anti-HBs antibodies did not differ significantly among the groups. Proven contact with the virus, documented by at least one positive marker, was evidenced more frequently in cryoglobulinemias secondary to liver disease than in the other groups (p < 0.01). The prevalence of HBV related markers in EMCs and in hospitalized patients not suffering from diseases associated with cryoglobulin production were similar, and seems to reflect the epidemiological situation of HBV infection in Italy. In conclusion, our findings do not support an association of HBV with EMC.