[Periarteritis nodosa linked to the hepatitis B virus]

Abstract

Periarteritis nodosa is a necrotizing vasculitis which, in more than one-third of the cases, is consecutive to an hepatitis B virus infection. This aetiological form is usually characterized by the absence of respiratory manifestations and by a greater frequency of hepatic cytolysis. In terms of survival, its prognosis is similar to that of other forms, but a persistent viral replication facilitates the subsequent development of chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis. Its modern treatment consists of a short course of corticosteroids combined with antiviral agent and plasma exchanges. Long-term corticosteroid therapy and immunodepressants are reserved for cases where the above-mentioned treatment has failed. This therapeutic approach results in a survival rate of 80 p. 100 at 4 years.