Abstract
The authors examined hepatic function every two weeks for 3 months on all cases who recieved blood transfusion in Surg. Dept of Sendai National Hospital from April to September, 1969.
The following results were obtained.
1) it was found that 13 cases (9%) out of 144 examined cases developed serum hepatitis and 14 cases (9.7%) were suspected serum hepatitis.
2) the rate of outbreak of serum hepatitis was higher in cases undergoing operation of the upper abdomen, especially the stomach than of the other parts without distinction of cancer.
3) ninety percent of serum hepatitis broke out within 8 weeks after blood transfusion, and 74% of them recovered within 5 weeks after appearance of symptoms.
4) a relationship was found to exist between the rate of outbreak of hepatitis and volume of transfused blood, and administration of γ-globulin was effective in preventing serum hepatitis.
5) the restrictions on the use of whole blood transfusion, the infusion of separated blood components, the strict screening of donor and the administration of γ-globulin are nesessary for preventing serum hepatitis.
