Prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection among the multi-transfused thalassemic and hemophilic patients receiving RCC & FFP

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Patients with thalassemia and hemophilia require frequent blood transfusions, which increase their risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. As a major global health problem, HBV can lead to chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, making multi-transfused patients particularly vulnerable. Objective: To assess the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection among the multi- transfused thalassemic and hemophilic patients receiving red cell concentrate (RCC) & fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Departments of Transfusion Medicine and Virology at BSMMU, Dhaka, over one year following IRB approval. Fifty multi-transfused patients (25 hemophilia and 25 thalassemia) receiving RCC or FFP were enrolled. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire after informed consent, and blood samples were tested for HBsAg and Anti-HBc (Total). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: Among the participants, 22.0% were Anti-HBc (total) positive, while all were HBsAg negative. Anti-HBc positivity was significantly associated with a history of receiving blood transfusions from multiple centers other than BSMMU (p<0.05), whereas no significant association was found with hepatitis B immunization history (p>0.05). Conclusion: Anti-HBc positivity was found in 22.0% of multi-transfused thalassemic and hemophilic patients, and was significantly associated with a history of receiving blood transfusions from multiple centers other than BSMMU.