Saju Xavier1, K Anish. 1. Al shifa Hospital, Perintalmanna, Kerala 679 322. xsaju@yahoo.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis A vaccine has been recommended for patients with chronic liver disease since they have high mortality following acute hepatitis. This study was done to assess the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus in Indian patients with liver cirrhosis to determine the relevance of this recommendation in India. METHODS: Consecutive patients with cirrhosis of liver seen at two referral hospitals in southern India were tested for antibodies to hepatitis A virus using EIA. Age-matched non-cirrhotic adults attending the OPD served as controls. RESULTS: Of the 52 patients (mean [SD] age 57.1 [11.0] years; 33 men) and 50 control subjects (52.0 [14.8] 5 years; 39 men), 51 patients and all the controls tested positive (p=ns). CONCLUSION: Most patients with liver cirrhosis have antibodies against hepatitis A virus and thus immunization against this infection without screening appears unnecessary in them.
OBJECTIVE:Hepatitis A vaccine has been recommended for patients with chronic liver disease since they have high mortality following acute hepatitis. This study was done to assess the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus in Indian patients with liver cirrhosis to determine the relevance of this recommendation in India. METHODS: Consecutive patients with cirrhosis of liver seen at two referral hospitals in southern India were tested for antibodies to hepatitis A virus using EIA. Age-matched non-cirrhotic adults attending the OPD served as controls. RESULTS: Of the 52 patients (mean [SD] age 57.1 [11.0] years; 33 men) and 50 control subjects (52.0 [14.8] 5 years; 39 men), 51 patients and all the controls tested positive (p=ns). CONCLUSION: Most patients with liver cirrhosis have antibodies against hepatitis A virus and thus immunization against this infection without screening appears unnecessary in them.