Abstract
We have recently followed up a group of infants born in 1974-76 who became hepatitis B carriers as a result of perinatal transmission. 92% of these infants (11/12) remain carriers 9 years later. None have clinical evidence of liver disease. On follow up serum transaminases are well within the normal range, and are significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in the first 3 years of life. Elevation of transaminases in a hepatitis B carrier child over 3 years of age should therefore not be attributed to the carrier state alone. Of those infants (9/11) who possessed e antigen when first tested all remain carriers of HB surface antigen. However a racial difference in the ability to clear e antigen is becoming apparent. All those of Caribbean origin (3/3) remained e antigen positive. Those of Indian origin (3/3) have all lost e antigen and developed e antibody, while the Chinese children appear to fall into an intermediate group (2/5 remain e antigen positive). We have therefore shown (for the first time) an ethnic difference in the ability to clear e antigen.
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Wheeley, S., Boxall, E. & Tarlow, M. WHAT HAPPENS TO HEPATITIS B CARRIER BABIES?. Pediatr Res 20, 699 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198607000-00084
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198607000-00084
