Hepatitis B Surface AntigenemiaAmong Transfused Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Enugu Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major public health problem in the world with high endemicity in Nigeria. It is contracted through contact with the body fluid of an infected person. Patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA), a common haematological disorder inNigeria,may have complications that require blood transfusion, thus exposing them to the risk.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among transfused childrenwith SCAin Enugu.

Subjects and Method: One hundred and thirty transfused children aged 6months to 17years with SCA were recruited consecutively fromOctober 2004 toApril 2005 while 91 non transfused childrenwith SCAaged 7months to 17yearswere recruited over the same period served as controls. Both groups were screened for HBsAg using ELISA method.
Results: There was no statistically difference in the HBsAg positivity among transfused (8.5%)when compared to non transfused (7.7%) (p=0.837). The difference between those who received their blood frompaid donors (8.7%) and those fromvoluntary (8.2%) was also not statistically significant (p=0.753).

Conclusion: The high prevalence of HBsAg among children with SCA in Enugu may not be related to blood transfusion.

Niger Med J. Vol. 49, No. 4, Oct – Dec, 2008: 88 – 90.

Keywords:HepatitisBvirus, Sickle cell anaemia,Blood transfusion