[Serological classification of post-transfusion hepatitis (author's transl)]

Post-transfusion hepatitis (PTH) remains to be a major hazard after massive blood transfusions. After 141 cardiac surgeries with massive blood transfusions the frequency of PTH reached 38%. The natural history of this type of hepatitis proved to be clinically mild but usually protracted. Icterus was found in one third. Serologically 46% of the PTH could be identified by HBs-Ag-testing as type B hepatitis. 39% revealed anti-HBs and 15% remained unclassified. HBs-Ag or anti-HBs were found in 40% patients without clinical or biochemical evidences of a hepatitis. The diagnosis of PTH still should rely on a synopsis of a typical clinical and biochemical hepatitis syndrome, characteristic serological findings and an adequate intervall between blood transfusion and outbreak of hepatitis.