title: Active immunization of children with leukemias and lymphomas against infection by hepatitis B virus.
abstract: Engerix B vaccine was administered to 54 children with leukemias and lymphomas aged from 2 to 15 years. In 36 cases chemotherapy was completely stopped, and 18 cases were receiving maintenance treatment. Engerix B was given at 0, 1, 2 and 6 months in a dose of 20 micrograms to children < 10 years, and 40 micrograms to older patients. The effectiveness of active immunization was demonstrated after complete therapy cessation in 88% of cases. The levels of antibodies determined 1 year after primary vaccination remained high, and in most of the vaccinated children they were > 1000 mIU/mL. In children vaccinated in the course of maintenance treatment the levels of antibodies did not give sufficient protection against infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Warsaw Medical School, Poland.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rokicka-Milewska
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jackowska
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sopyło
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kacperska
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Seyfried
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000150:complications*; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000150:complications*; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: C075654:Engerix-B; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic