Severe hepatitis B in infants born to HBsAg carrier mothers.

Five infants admitted consecutively with severe hepatitis B were treated with exchange transfusion, correction of coagulation defects and supportive measures. All were born to HBsAg carrier mothers and one had received hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within 24 hours after birth. All of them presented with nonspecific symptoms such as vomiting, loose stools, low grade fever and progressed to acute liver failure. Three of them survived with full recovery and two died from hepatic encephalopathy one and two weeks after admission. Early recognition of hepatic failure and prompt exchange transfusions with intensive supportive treatment may save these infants.