Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
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J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. · Feb 2009
High-titer antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen before liver transplantation can prevent de novo hepatitis B infection.
De novo hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is defined as infection occurring in HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative patients who become HbsAg positive after organ transplantation. We assessed the incidence and risk factors of de novo HBV infection in pediatric liver transplant recipients. ⋯ In the absence of adequate prophylaxis, the incidence of de novo HBV infection in pediatric OLT recipients is 15.3%. An anti-HBs titer of >200 mIU/mL before OLT may be sufficient to prevent de novo HBV infection in HBsAg-negative recipients.