A controlled study of the role of blood transfusion in causing hepatitis in the paediatric population in Kenya

Abstract

263 children from Luhya and Luo connuni t.ies in IJairobi, wor-e studied for Serum SGPI' levels and HBV markers, to compare t r-ansfused groups with non transfused groups with SeD and those having Hb AA. Sickle cell tract (AS) children were also employed as controls. '\ Among the transfused groups, the prevalances of asyrnptanatic liver damage was found to be significantly higher (37%) than th~t of the non transfused children (10%). (p<0.05). The majority or hepatitis B surface antigen positive children (over 60%) in the whoie stuiy had elevated SGPI'levels. This association was more evident in the transfused croups. TI1ese findings are contrary to the known fact that majority of adult surface antigen positive carriers rave normal LFTs. The infectious pool for HBV was found to be higher in transfused than non transfused children, whether they are sicklers or,not. The development of sterile immunity to HBV infection in both sicklers illn non sicklers occurs far less frequently in transfused group as compared to non transfused controls