Hepatitis-B immunoglobulin in prevention of HBs antigenaemia in haemodialysis patients

Abstract

In a double-blind study, hepatitis-B immunoglobulin significantly protected patients in a haemodialysis unit against the development of HBs antigenaemia, compared to control patients receiving normal human immunoglobulin (p less than 0-01). Injections were given at the beginning and after 6 months, and observations extended over 16 months. Analysis of antiHBc and anti-HBs antibodies suggested that neutralisation of the virus inoculum, as well as modification of infection, may be implicated in the prevention of HBs antigenaemia.