Immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine in premature infants.
The immunogenicity of plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine was studied in 39 premature neonates, whose weights were 1,800-2,400 g and gestational ages 32-37 weeks. All maternal antiHBc antibody were negative. Dosage of 5 micrograms of hepatitis B vaccine (Pasteur vaccine) was given at 0, 1, 2 and 12 months after birth. At the ages of 1, 2, 4, 9, 12 and 13 months, antiHBs antibody was found in 7.7%, 20%, 69.7%, 81.4%, 77.3% and 89.5%, respectively, while the geometric mean titer in this seropositive group, starting at age 2 months was 37, 121, 113, 69 and 1,016 mIU/ml. There was no severe reaction attributed to the vaccination. The result indicated that the vaccine was immunogenic. Although the conversion rate was low after primary injection, a satisfactory response developed at age 4 months after 3 doses of vaccine.
Sanpavat
S
S
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Poovorawan
Y
Y
Chittinand
S
S
Bhongsvej
S
S
Thaithumyanon
P
P
D000367:Age Factors; D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005865:Gestational Age; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; C075657:Hevac B