Publication:

Impact of transfusion history on hepatitis B virus seropositivity among thalassemic and hemophilic patients

Background Patients with thalassemia and hemophilia require repeated blood transfusions, which increase the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections, including hepatitis B virus (HBV). Despite routine donor screening, previous exposure to HBV may still occur, particularly in multi-transfused populations. To assess the impact of transfusion history on hepatitis B virus seropositivity among thalassemic and hemophilic patients.

Methods This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, from March 2021 to August 2023. A total of 50 multi-transfused patients (25 thalassemia and 25 hemophilia) were enrolled. HBsAg and Anti-HBc were tested and transfusion history, demographics and vaccination status were analyzed using SPSS.

Results All participants were negative for HBsAg. Anti-HBc (total) positivity was detected in 22.0% of patients, including 24.0% of hemophilia patients and 20.0% of thalassemia patients. Demographic factors, transfusion burden, transfusion interval, type of blood component and hepatitis B vaccination history showed no statistically significant association with Anti-HBc positivity (p>0.05). However, a significant association was observed between Anti-HBc positivity and a history of receiving transfusions from multiple centers (p=0.001).

Conclusions Although active HBV infection was not detected, a substantial proportion of multi-transfused patients had evidence of previous HBV exposure. Receiving transfusions from multiple centers was the most important risk factor for HBV seropositivity, highlighting the need for standardized and high-quality transfusion practices across all centers.