[Vaccination against the hepatitis B virus in alcoholics].
BACKGROUND
The risk of hepatitis B virus infections is high among alcohol abusers, and vaccination has been evaluated in previous studies. However, the response has been low with the usual doses and schedules.


METHODS
In the present controlled trail a group of 14 alcohol abusers was vaccinated following a rapid schedule with a dose twice the usual one. Their response was compared to that of a second group of 16 alcohol abusers vaccinated in the usual way. Both groups were compared to a third one consisting of 30 healthy individuals.


RESULTS
At the end of the program 83% of the healthy controls responded, with a mean anti-HBs titer of 1130.3 mU/ml. The anti-HBs titer achieved in both groups of alcohol abusers was lower that in healthy individuals (p less than 0.05). 56% of the alcohol abusers vaccinated with the usual program responded (with a mean titer of 80.1 mU/ml), and so did 66% of those vaccinated with high doses (mean titer 63.3 mU/ml).


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that the poor response of alcohol abusers to HBV vaccine does not improve with increased doses and a rapid schedule.
Villanueva
C
C
Servicio de Patología Digestiva, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona.
Enríquez
J
J
Just
J
J
Teixidó
M
M
Méndez
C
C
Rodrigo
O
O
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000276:immunology*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013030:Spain; D013997:Time Factors; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines
Vacuna contra el virus de la hepatitis B en alcohólicos.