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[Intensity of immunity in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus vaccinated against hepatitis B]
Insights
Hepatitis B immunoprophylaxis is crucial for children with type 1 diabetes. Optimal antibody levels were achieved with a 3-dose vaccination schedule, but monitoring is essential, especially with diabetic complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) face severe hepatitis B infections.
- Immunoprophylaxis is essential for preventing hepatitis B in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccination in children with DM1.
- To identify factors influencing seroconversion and antibody titers post-vaccination.
Main Methods:
- A serologic study was conducted on 205 vaccinated and unvaccinated children with DM1.
- Antibody titers were measured to assess immune response and protection.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of unvaccinated children (69.7%) were seronegative for hepatitis B antibodies.
- A 3-dose vaccination schedule (0-1-6 months) resulted in significantly higher antibody titers above the protective threshold (10 mlU/ml).
- Seronegativity was not correlated with sex, disease duration, insulin dose, allergies, respiratory infections, or time since vaccination, but decreased with more diabetic complications.
Conclusions:
- The 3-dose hepatitis B vaccination schedule is effective in children with DM1.
- Immunity wanes with an increasing number of diabetic complications.
- Serologic monitoring is recommended for children with multiple DM1 complications, particularly those in rural areas, to determine the need for booster vaccinations.
Abstract:
Prevention of hepatitis B in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) by means of immunoprophylaxis is essential due to severe course of the infection in such patients. Serologic study of 205 vaccinated and unvaccinated children with DM1 was performed. Of 66 unvaccinated children 46 (69.7%) were seronegative. Mean geometric titer of antibodies after vaccination was significantly higher than conditionally protective titer (10 mlU/ml) only in children vaccinated 3 times according to 0-1-6 months schedule. Of 121 children, which were fully vaccinated, 13 (10.7%) were seronegative. Correlation of seronegativity with sex, duration of the disease, insulin dose, presence of allergic diseases, recurrent acute respiratory infections, and time from vaccination was not observed. Intensity of immunity after vaccination decreased with increasing number of diabetic complications. If number of DM1 complications exceeds3, especiallyin children living in rural area, serologic monitoring is essential for deciding whether booster vaccination against hepatitis B is needed.
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