Frequency of hepatitis B after open heart surgery: a retrospective study over a three-year period (1974--1976).

In spite of intensive efforts to reduce the risk of hepatitis B after heart operations, this complication is observed in 40 % or more of the cases. Over a period of three years (1974--1976) we examined 588 patients who had undergone open heart surgery. The following results were found: In 1974 the hepatitis frequency was 2.0 %, while in 1975 and 1976 it was 0.6 % hepatitis B and 0.6 % non-B hepatitis. We believe the reason for this improvement is a more careful selection of blood donors and their continuous control according to the following parameters: regular clinical observation; regular chest x-ray; determination of BSR, hemoglobin and aminotransferase; TPHA test; and search for antibodies. In 1974 hepatitis-B-surface-antigen (HBsAg) was detected by means of reverse hemagglutination tests. Since 1975 a modified radioimmunoassay has been used for this purpose. No donor blood with abnormal results was transfused, except for a very small number of extreme emergencies. The good results demonstrated can only be obtained by following the described program and by strictly avoiding pool preparations.