Combined passive and active immunoprophylaxis for preventing perinatal transmission of the hepatitis B virus in infants born to HBsAg positive mothers in comparison with vaccine alone.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In order for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma not to be inflicted upon in infants' lifetime, it is essential to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in them.

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study is to reveal the efficacy of passive and active immunoprophylaxis in preventing perinatal transmission of HBV in Iran.

STUDY DESIGN:

In this cohort study with historical controls, 823 children born to the HBsAg positive mothers were evaluated. Out of this number, 638 had received neither hepatitis B (HB) vaccine nor hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and aged more than 16 years (n=481, group 1) or 16 years or less (n=157, group 2). The other 125 persons had received only HB vaccine (group 3), and 60 neonates received both HB vaccine and HBIG (group 4).

RESULTS:

The prevalence of HBsAg in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 was 56.1%, 40.3%, 12.6%, and 3.6%, respectively. The prevalence of anti-HBsAb had a significantly descending rate in groups 4 (85.7%), 3 (68.8%), 2 (33.3%), and 1 (21.8%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The addition of HBIG to recombinant vaccine will significantly increase the protection against HBV infection in comparison with HB vaccine alone.

• Authors: Ali Kabir, Seyed-Moayed Alavian, Navid Ahanchi, Reza Malekzadeh
• Journal: Hepatology research : the official journal of the Japan Society of Hepatology (Hepatol Res) Vol. 36 Issue 4 Pg. 265-71 (Dec 2006) ISSN: 1386-6346 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 16965939 (Publication Type: Journal Article)