[Analysis of factors affecting HBV and HCV infections in premature children]

Abstract

Premature children with the very low birth weight, who need a long hospital treatment after the birth, belong to the group of the highest risk of HBV and HCV infections. The study includes 32 premature children, 14 girls and 18 boys, who were born between 26 and 35 week of pregnancy with the birth weight from 800 to 2400 g. Chronic hepatitis were found in these children; 11 children had HBV infection, 10 children had HCV infection, and both HBV and HBC infections were found in 11 children. Blood transfusions, parenteral nutrition, parenteral antibiotics, surgical treatment and other medical interventions were considered as the most important factors affecting HBV/HBC infections. All these factors should be taken into consideration in efforts to reduce the frequency of HBV and HBC infections in premature children.