Active immunization against hepatitis A in dialysis patients.
BACKGROUND
This study investigated the feasibility, immunogenicity, and reactogenicity of hepatitis A vaccination in end-stage renal failure patients who were on chronic intermittent haemodialysis.


METHODS
Forty-three subjects were vaccinated with an inactivated hepatitis A vaccine according to a 0-, 1-, and 6-month immunization schedule. Two groups were established who received the vaccine either intramuscularly (group A, n=30) or subcutaneously (group B, n=13).


RESULTS
All patients in group A and 12/13 in group B developed antibodies against hepatitis A. The geometric mean titres (GMT) were high and similar to those observed in healthy subjects. There was a tendency to higher GMT in the group who received the vaccine subcutaneously. No clinically significant adverse events were observed, and the liver enzyme profile showed no abnormalities.


CONCLUSIONS
We showed that hepatitis A vaccination of dialysis patients is feasible, well tolerated and immunogenic and that the vaccine can be given subcutaneously in those patients where intramuscular administration is contra-indicated.
Fleischmann
Erwin Hermann
EH
Medizinische Klinik IV der Universität Erlangen Nürnberg, Virologisches Institut der Universität zu Köln, Germany.
Kruppenbacher
Johannes
J
Bock
Hans Ludwig
HL
Weber
Manfred
M
D000328:Adult; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D035922:Hepatitis A Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects; D015164:Vaccines, Inactivated / Q000008:administration & dosage
D035922:Hepatitis A Antibodies; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines; D015164:Vaccines, Inactivated