Blocking effect of hepatitis B immunoglobulin on HBV intrauterine infection

ObjectiveTo know the use of hepatitis B immunoglobulin(HBIG)among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)positive mothers during late pregnancy from 2003 to 2008 and to evaluate the blocking effect of HBIG on mother to infant transmission of hepatitis B virus(HBV).MethodsThe information on use of HBIG in HBsAg positive mothers was collected with questionnaire.HBeAg and HBsAg was detected with ELISA.HBV DNA in HBsAg positive mothers were detected with RT-PCR.HBV intrauterine infection occurrence was defined if the HBsAg of the newborn was positive.ResultsThe rate of valid HBIG injection during pregnancy were increased from 40.0% to 64.8% in the years and there was a significant yearly difference(χ²=22.087,P=0.001).The rates of HBV intrauterine infection were increased from 8.0% to 10.0% with no significant difference.The administration of HBIG showed no significant effect on HBV intrauterine infection with Chi-square test(χ²=0.024,P=0.877).ConclusionThe blocking effect of HBIG administeration on HBV intrauterine transmission is not found.