Effectiveness of combined intramuscular and intravenous administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin to newborns in preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus

Abstract Objective While achieving a good success rate of approximately 95% in preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV), 10-20% of infants born to HBeAg-positive or high-viral-load mothers still become infected. Study Design To strengthen the prevention of HBV MTCT at birth, intravenous injection was added to the conventional regimen of intramuscular hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) administration immediately after delivery, thereby achieving a more rapid rise in blood antibody levels. Vaccination was initiated once antibody titers had declined to a certain level. Results The study method maintained higher levels than existing methods for approximately 4 months post-delivery. No infection was detected at one year of age in the seven HBeAg-positive cases(including two involving in utero infection) and the five cases with high viral loads (≥5.3 log IU/mL). Conclusions Designed to protect newborns from HBV infection by enhancing their defenses against infection immediately after birth, this offers a new option.