Current use of hepatitis B immune globulin for prevention of de novo hepatitis B in recipients receiving anti-HBc-positive livers.

Livers from donors positive for antibody against anti-HBc can potentially transmit de novo hepatitis B (DNH) to their recipients. Despite a good outcome, prophylaxis is usually offered to such recipients. There is no consensus on the standard prophylactic regimen and hence prophylaxis varies among different transplant centres. Nonetheless, hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is considered the mainstay of such prophylaxis, either alone or in combination with an oral antiviral treatment. We aim to provide a concise review of the current use of HBIG in prevention of DNH. We also address a few important questions regarding HBIG use.