Immunogenicity of a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in hemodialysis patients: a two-year follow-up.
The immunogenicity of a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine was evaluated in 35 hemodialysis patients who received a standard dose (20 micrograms) of the vaccine at 0, 1, 2 and 6 months. After the full vaccination course (month 7), 60% (21/35) of the patients had seroconverted (anti-HBs titer greater than or equal to 10 mIU/ml). The duration of protection lasted up to 18 months after the start of vaccination in 85.7% (18/21) of the responders. At that time, an additional dose was given to all the patients: 1-2 months later, the overall immunization rate had increased to 65.7% (23/35); lastly, in month 24 (i.e., 6 months after the booster dose), 62.5% (15/24) of the patients available for evaluation were still maintaining protective levels of anti-HBs antibodies. Comparable results had previously been obtained in 21 well-matched patients on our dialysis program who were vaccinated with a plasma-derived vaccine according to the recommended schedule.
Docci
D
D
Servizio di Nefrologia e Dialisi, Ospedale M. Bufalini, Cesena, Italia.
Cipolloni
P A
PA
Mengozzi
S
S
Baldrati
L
L
Capponcini
C
C
Feletti
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines