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Response of preterm infants to hepatitis B vaccine
The Journal of Pediatrics
|December 1, 1992
Insights
Preterm infants receiving the hepatitis B vaccine at higher birth weights showed lower seropositive rates and titers compared to term infants. Early vaccination in preterm infants may impact immune response to hepatitis B vaccine.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Preterm infants are vulnerable to infections.
- Hepatitis B vaccination is crucial for infant health.
- Optimal timing for hepatitis B vaccination in preterm infants is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunogenicity of the hepatitis B vaccine in preterm infants based on initial vaccination weight.
- To compare antibody responses in preterm infants with those of normal term infants.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-nine preterm infants received three doses of hepatitis B vaccine.
- Infants were divided into two groups based on initial vaccination weight: >=1000 gm (Group 1) and >=2000 gm (Group 2).
- Seropositive rates and geometric mean titers (GMTs) were measured and compared to 43 normal term infants.
Main Results:
- Group 1 (vaccinated >=1000 gm) had a 79% seropositive rate and 61 mIU/ml GMT.
- Group 2 (vaccinated >=2000 gm) had a 91% seropositive rate and 262 mIU/ml GMT.
- Normal term infants showed 100% seropositivity and 679 mIU/ml GMT, significantly higher than both preterm groups.
Conclusions:
- Vaccination timing based on birth weight influences hepatitis B vaccine immunogenicity in preterm infants.
- Higher initial vaccination weight in preterm infants correlates with improved antibody response.
- Further research is needed to optimize hepatitis B vaccination schedules for preterm infants to achieve protective immunity.
Abstract:
Ninety-nine preterm infants with birth weights < 1750 gm had three doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Fifty-seven received the first dose when they weighed > or = 1000 gm (group 1) and 42 when they weighed > or = 2000 gm (group 2). The final seropositive rates and geometric mean titers of group 1 infants (79%, 61 mIU/ml) and group 2 infants (91%, 262 mIU/ml) were less than that of 43 normal term infants (100%, 679 mIU/ml).