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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1979; 27(4): 238-240
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1096252
Copyright © 1979 by Georg Thieme Verlag

Frequency of Hepatitis B after Open Heart Surgery: A Retrospective Study over a Three-Year Period (1974—1976)

R. Stute, A. Krian, B. Staudacher, H.D. Schulte, H. Brüster
  • Institute of Blood Transfusion and Coagulation, and Department of Surgery B, University of Düsseldorf, West Germany
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Publication History

Publication Date:
11 December 2008 (online)

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Summary

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 aminotransferases; 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.

Key-Words:

Post transfusion hepatitis - Open heart surgery - Extracorporeal circulation