Current use of hepatitis B immune globulin for prevention of de novo hepatitis B in recipients receiving anti-HBc-positive livers

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http://www.springerlink.com/content/t8552q2j64313422/

Hepatology International

DOI: 10.1007/s12072-010-9250-yOnline First™

Review Article

Current use of hepatitis B immune globulin for prevention of de novo hepatitis B

in recipients receiving anti-HBc-positive livers

Jen-Jung Pan, Nirav Thosani, Victor I. Machicao and B. Fallon

Abstract

Livers from donors positive for antibody against anti-HBc can potentially

transmit de novo hepatitis B (DNH) to their recipients. Despite a good outcome,

prophylaxis is usually offered to such recipients. There is no consensus on the

standard prophylactic regimen and hence prophylaxis varies among different

transplant centres. Nonetheless, hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is

considered the mainstay of such prophylaxis, either alone or in combination with

an oral antiviral treatment. We aim to provide a concise review of the current

use of HBIG in prevention of DNH. We also address a few important questions

regarding HBIG use.