Antibody against hepatitis associated antigen (H.A.A.) in children with thalassemia and the risk of posttransfusion hepatitis

Abstract

Hepatitis associated antigen (H.A.A.) was detected in 11 (3.04%) of 362 Thai children with thalassemia syndrome. Anti H.A.A. was found in 22 (6.08%) of 362 patients tested by cross over immunoelectrophoresis, and antibody titer up to 1:64 was observed. The incidence of positive anti H.A.A. depends upon the number of blood transfusions, and the age of the patients. Splenectomy does not reduce the ability of thalassemic patients to produce anti H.A.A. Eight out of 12 thalassemic children who received H.A.A. positive blood developed anti H.A.A. and none had clinical hepatitis after followup for 12 mth post transfusion. The possible role of the immunity to protect post transfusion hepatitis in these polytransfused thalassemic children is discussed.