Retrospective Investigation of De novo hepatitis B infection in recipients after liver transplantation by anti-HBc positive donors

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to retrospectively investigate the development of de novo Hepatitis B infection in recipients after liver transplantation by anti-HBc positive donors with non-hepatitis B indication. METHODS: Data of 46 patients who had liver transplantation with non-hepatitis B indication from anti-HBc positive donors in İnönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center Gastroenterology Department between January 2007 and December 2018 were examined retrospectively.  RESULTS: Of the 46 patients who underwent liver transplantation from anti-HBc positive donors to HBsAg negative patients, 8 (17.4%) patients were given prophylactic antiviral after liver transplantation, and the remaining 38 (82.6%) patients were followed up without prophylactic antiviral treatment. While de novo hepatitis B infection was not developed in any patient who received prophylactic antiviral treatment (0%), it occurred in 11 of 38 patients (28.9%) without prophylactic antiviral treatment. In patients without prophylactic antiviral treatment; the frequency of de novo hepatitis B infection in patients with anti-HBc and anti-HBs negativity (63.6%) was significantly higher than patients with anti-HBc and / or anti-HBs positivity (14.8%). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that prophylactic antiviral therapy and hepatitis B immunity in recipients after liver transplantation from anti-HBc positive donors significantly prevent the development of de novo hepatitis B infection.