Chromosomal abnormality in the newborns of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier mothers.

The association of maternal hepatitis B surface antigen carriers (HBsAg) and chromosomal abnormalities in their newborns has been previously suggested. This is a report on two female infants with abnormalities of chromosome 18 and trisomy 3q syndrome who were born to HBsAg carriers. These cases indicate that a possible relationship exists between the HBsAg carrier state in the mother and chromosome abnormalities in her offspring. It is suggested that the parents of all newborns with a structural chromosomal abnormality be tested for HBsAg.