Abstract
Introduction: Hepatitis B is a common viral infection worldwide and the main cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cell carcinoma. hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) is one of the markers indicating chronic hepatitis B infection. In this cross-sectional study, we investigate serological markers and HBeAg positivity in in children with maternally transmitted hepatitis B virus (HBV).Materials and Methods: Overall, 26 children with congenital HBV referred to Amir Al-Mo’menin Ali hospital in Zabol in 2019 and 2020 were enrolled. After gathering demographic characteristics, blood samples were taken from the patients. Serological tests were performed by routine ELISA tests. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.Results: Twenty-six children were included in the study;18 of them (69.2%) were males. The mean age of the participants was 13.98±11 years (minimum of 1 and maximum of 18 years old). The mean age of mothers was 40.45±10 years (minimum of 27 and maximum of 63 years old). Four (15.4%) of the children were HBeAg positive, and 18 (69.2%) were HBeAb positive with no significant differences between genders (P > 0.05). HBeAg positivity was not associated with the birth rank (P = 0.71) or HBV vaccination (P = 0.17). Liver enzymes, serum albumin and children’s age and duration of maternal infection were not significantly different between HBeAg positive and HBeAg negative groups (P > 0.05). Mean serum alanine transaminase (ALT) was significantly higher in HBeAb positive than HBeAb negative children (P = 0.018), and HBeAb positivity was significantly associated with HBV vaccination history (P = 0.02). Other liver enzymes as well as age of mother and child and the duration of maternal infection were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.99). Conclusion: The prevalence of chronic HBV infection based on HBeAg positivity was relatively high in children vertically infected with the virus. HBeAb seroconversion seems to be associated with HBV vaccination.
Highlights
Introduction: Hepatitis B is a common viral infection worldwide and the main cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cell carcinoma. hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) is one of the markers indicating chronic hepatitis B infection. In this cross-sectional study, we investigate serological markers and HBeAg positivity in in children with maternally transmitted hepatitis B virus (HBV)
HBeAg positivity was not associated with the birth rank (P = 0.71) or HBV vaccination (P = 0.17)
Mean serum alanine transaminase (ALT) was significantly higher in HBeAb positive than HBeAb negative children (P = 0.018), and HBeAb positivity was significantly associated with HBV vaccination history (P = 0.02)
Summary
Hepatitis B is a common viral infection worldwide and the main cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cell carcinoma. hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) is one of the markers indicating chronic hepatitis B infection. This method of transmission may occur through the placenta, during labor, or shortly thereafter.[7] More than 50% of Iranian carriers received the infection from their mothers, which is one of the most likely routes of HBV transmission in our country.[5] Maternally infected children are 25 percent more likely than others to develop cirrhotic liver cancer.[8] Among most important predictors of MTCT are HBV DNA status, as well as serological status for hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) and HBeAb.[9] Children who acquire HBV prenatally have a high chance for developing chronic and persistent disease In these children, seroconversion of HBeAg to HBeAb is an important marker indicating the inactivation of virus replication; in case of this phenomenon is not seen, patients will need a continuation of antiviral therapy.[10] The rate of elimination of HBeAg, with or without HBeAb positivity, is seen in a relatively low ratio of patients.[11]
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