HBsAg level at time of liver transplantation determines HBsAg decrease and anti-HBs increase and affects HBV DNA decrease during early immunoglobulin administration.

Background/aims: Administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) initially after liver transplantation of hepatitis B patients is considered important to prevent reinfection reliably. However, dosing schedules differ considerably between centers. We measured HBsAg, anti-HBs and HBV DNA kinetics to create a rational basis for dosing schemes.