Passive Transfer of Hepatitis B Antibodies through Intravenous Immunoglobulin in a Neonate

Authors

  • João Rato Serviço de Cardiologia Pediátrica. Hospital de Santa Cruz. Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental. Carnaxide.
  • Daniela Alves Serviço de Cardiologia Pediátrica. Hospital de Santa Cruz. Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental. Carnaxide.
  • Luís Rodrigues Serviço de Patologia Clínica. Hospital de São Francisco Xavier. Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental. Lisboa.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.9792

Keywords:

Cardiomyopathy, Dilated, Hepatitis B Antibodies, Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/adverse effects, Infant, Newborn

Abstract

Passive transfer of antibodies secondary to intravenous immunoglobulin infusion is a rare but important side effect that can lead to the wrong diagnosis and therapeutic decisions. It has never been reported in a newborn. A male newborn, vaccinated against hepatitis B and diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, presented positive hepatitis B core antibodies at 12 days of life. Exclusion of hepatitis B infection was mandatory as it would be a contraindication to heart transplant. Passive transfer of antibodies was confirmed at 44 days of age, after seroreversion of hepatitis B core antibodies. Passive transfer of antibodies after intravenous immunoglobulin infusion can lead to a misleading diagnosis if not recognized. In our patient it could have been especially harmful had it prevented heart transplant. Screening for hepatitis B should be performed at least 1 month after intravenous immunoglobulin infusion.

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Author Biography

João Rato, Serviço de Cardiologia Pediátrica. Hospital de Santa Cruz. Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental. Carnaxide.

Interno de Formação Específica de Cardiologia Pediátrica

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Published

2019-12-02

How to Cite

1.
Rato J, Alves D, Rodrigues L. Passive Transfer of Hepatitis B Antibodies through Intravenous Immunoglobulin in a Neonate. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2019 Dec. 2 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];32(12):782-4. Available from: https://www.actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/9792

Issue

Section

Case Report