HBV viremia in newborns of HBsAg(+) predominantly Caucasian HBeAg(−) mothers

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http://www.journalofclinicalvirology.com/article/PIIS1386653210004609/abstract?r\

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HBV viremia in newborns of HBsAg(+) predominantly Caucasian HBeAg(−) mothers

Vassiliki Papaevangeloua, Dimitrios Paraskevisb, Vassiliki Anastassiadouc,

Evaggelia Stratikid, Machairaa, Irene Pitsoulia1, Haidab, Petros

Drakakisc, Klara Stamoulid, Aris Antsaklisc, Angelos Hatzakisb

Received 27 July 2010; received in revised form 10 November 2010; accepted 16

November 2010. published online 17 December 2010.

Corrected Proof

Abstract

Background

Hepatitis B virus infection is an important public health problem worldwide and

eliminating mother-to-infant transmission is important to decrease the

prevalence of chronic HBV-infection. Although, immunoprophylaxis given at birth

largely prevents mother-to-infant transmission, perinatal HBV viremia has been

reported in HBsAg(−) newborns born mainly to HBeAg(+) women in endemic areas.

Objectives

To examine the incidence of perinatal HBV viremia in newborns of HBsAg(+)

predominantly HBeAg(−) mothers.

Study design

Peripheral blood was obtained at birth from 109 HBsAg(+) mothers and their

newborns before the administration of active–passive immunoprophylaxis.

Infants were prospectively followed and appropriately vaccinated.

Results

Although most (92.7%) of the HBsAg(+) mothers were HBeAg(−), 73.4% had

detectable HBV viremia. Neonatal viremia was detected in 3/8 (37.5%) and 24/101

(23.8%) newborns of HBeAg(+) and HBeAg(−) mothers, respectively (p=0.386).

However, HBV–DNA levels were significantly higher in newborns of HBeAg(+)

mothers (p=0.025). No child developed chronic HBV infection, but one child had

evidence of subclinical hepatitis.

Conclusions

Although the clinical significance of low viremia levels in almost one in four

newborns of HBsAg(+) mothers in a low endemicity area is unclear, it may enhance

our understanding of HBV mother-to-infant transmission.

a Second Department of Pediatrics, “P & A Kyriakou†Children's Hospital,

Medical School, Athens University, Goudi 11527, Athens, Greece

b Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School,

Athens University, Greece

c First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, andra Hospital, Medical

School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece

d Neonatology Department, andra Hospital, Athens, Greece

Corresponding author. Tel.: +30 2107793000; fax: +30 2107774383.

1 Current address: First Department of Pediatrics, “A. Sophia†Children's

Hospital, Medical School, Athens University, Greece.

PII: S1386-6532(10)00460-9

doi:10.1016/j.jcv.2010.11.009

© 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc.