Müller R, Gubernatis G, Farle M, Niehoff G, Klein H, Wittekind C, Tusch G, Lautz HU, Böker K, Stangel W. Liver transplantation in HBs antigen (HBsAg) carriers. Prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence by passive immunization.
J Hepatol 1991;
13:90-6. [PMID:
1918881 DOI:
10.1016/0168-8278(91)90869-d]
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Abstract
Liver transplantation in HBs-antigen (HBsAg) positive allograft recipients is associated with a high risk of HBV recurrence some time after surgery. So far, results of measures to prevent recurrent HBV-infection by means of treatment with interferon, hepatitis B vaccination and short-term passive immunization with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg) or monoclonal antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) have been disappointing. In the present study the results of long-term, anti-HBs monitored passive immunization with HBIg is reported. In 23 HBsAg-positive liver transplant recipients an anti-HBs level of greater than or equal to 100 IU/l was maintained for 6 or 12 months, respectively. The rate of recurrent infection was found to be less than 20% under HBIg substitution, whereas 11 graft recipients with no or only short-term HBIg prophylaxis were reinfected by month 15 after transplantation. HBV recurrence was associated with chronic liver disease and recurrent cirrhosis in the allograft.
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