Jaundice and Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody in Greek Haemophiliacs

Abstract

The incidence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (HBsAb) in 101 Greek multitransfused haemophiliacs with or without a previous history of jaundice was studied. Using the haemagglutination inhibition assay, HbsAg was detected in 9.9%, HBsAb in 61.3% and HBsAg plus Ab in 11.8% of the cases. The incidence of jaundice was 14.8%. Liver function was tested by means of Normotest, SGOT, SGPT and serum protein electrophoresis. Abnormal values of liver function tests were found in 47% of the patients. The abnormal findings were related to the presence of HBsAg or Ab and to the history of jaundice. There was no significant difference between the various groups of patients.