Anti HBs Levels among Children with Chronic Liver Disease from a Super Speciality Hospital

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health problem worldwide. In present context HBV infection is still not an uncommon problem leading to frequent hospitalization. The anti HBs status of children admitted in this hospital is not known amongst whom HBV vaccination could be advocated. Aim: To evaluate the anti HBs status among children with chronic liver disease attending Gastroenterology Department, Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Methods: 88 children (50 Males,38 Females) of chronic liver disease (CLD) admitted between April 2013 and March 2015 were included in the study (exclusion HBV infected patients).Clinical features of patients, diagnostic investigations including abdominal ultrasonography were recorded. Two ml. of blood was collected from each patient and serum was stored at -20 0 C. Tests for detection of HBsAg, anti HCV and quantitative anti HBs levels were uniformly done on all samples by ELISA. Results: Overall 35 children with CLD (39.77%,35/88 pts.) had nil level of anti HBs antibody. 12 children (13.63%,12/88 pts.) had anti HBs level of 150 mIU/ml. All patients were non reactive for anti HCV. Conclusions: 46.59% children with chronic liver disease had sero-protective anti -HBs titer. 39.77% children of chronic liver disease undergoing hospital treatment had undetectable anti-HBs antibody and were susceptible to Hepatitis B virus infection. Prophylactic vaccination against HBV infection should be advised in