Serological markers of viral hepatitis B and C in children with sickle cell disease monitored in the Pediatrics Department at the University Hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)

Abstract

Viral hepatitis B and C are universal public health problems. Burkina Faso is a high endemic area for hepatitis B. Patients with sickle cell disease are at risk. The aim of this study was to investigate and quantify the serological markers of viral hepatitis B and C among pediatric patients with sickle cell disease. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which took place from July to November 2014 at the Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Bobo- Dioulasso. The study included 44 SS and 26 SC sickle cell patients. General data (age, gender) and medical information (vaccinations, medical history including transfusion) were collected. Blood samples were taken for research and titration of serological markers of hepatitis viruses B and C with a commercial Elisa test on the ARCHITECT i1000® automat of Abbott Laboratories. The mean age of the patients was 7.98 years. Seventeen patients (13 SS and SC 4) had already been transfused at least once. The transfusion rate was significantly higher among the SS patients than among SC (29.5% and 15.3% respectively) patients. No patient with HBs Ag was been found. In two patients, the anti-HBc Ab was found alone. In 33% of cases, no markers of hepatitis B were found. Less than 20% of children fully vaccinated (N = 45) had a protective level of anti-HBs Ab (greater than 10 IU/l). The prevalence of anti-VHC Ab was 2.8%. No case of HBV-HCV co-infection was found. The prevention of infection is an important part of the management of sickle cell patients. Immunization against hepatitis B should be systematic. The results of this study assume that blood safety was good.