Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
Published on: July 9, 2014
Vaccination status in pediatric liver transplant candidates
Seyed Mohsen Dehghani1, Mohammad Ali Shakiba, Maziyar Ziaeyan
1Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. dehghanism@sums.ac.ir
Insights
Many pediatric liver transplant candidates lack crucial immunizations, increasing their risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. Regular vaccination chart reviews and updated guidelines are essential for improving protection before and after transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Transplantation
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Infection is a significant risk for pediatric solid organ transplant recipients.
- Young children often have incomplete immunization status at the time of transplantation, heightening vulnerability to vaccine-preventable infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the vaccination status of pediatric liver transplant candidates.
- To identify gaps in immunization coverage for vaccine-preventable diseases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of vaccination charts for 100 pediatric patients referred to a liver transplant center.
- Evaluation of vaccination status against National Immunization Program (NIP) recommendations based on patient age.
Main Results:
- Incomplete vaccination rates were observed: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) 58%, Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) 85%, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) 97%, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP) 63%, and Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) 58%.
- Significant proportions of patients were not fully vaccinated according to recommended schedules.
Conclusions:
- Periodic review and updating of vaccination charts are critical for liver transplant candidates, both pre- and post-transplant.
- Early immunization and consideration of additional vaccines like Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are recommended.
- Developing specialized immunization guidelines for liver transplant candidates is indicated to mitigate vaccine-preventable disease risks.
Abstract:
Infection is a recognized and potentially serious complication in children following solid organ transplantation. This problem is particularly important for young children undergoing any organ transplantation who often have not completed standard childhood immunizations at the time of transplantation and who are therefore at risk for vaccine-preventable infections. To evaluate the vaccination status in liver transplant candidates, vaccination charts of 100 patients who were referred to Organ Transplant Center of Nemazee Hospital were reviewed and the vaccination status considered appropriate according to the recommendation of NIP and the patients' age. Fifty-eight percent of patients were completely vaccinated for HBV, 85% for OPV, 97% for BCG, 63% for DTP, and 58% of the patients were completely vaccinated for MMR. We concluded that the vaccination charts should be periodically reviewed and updated to prevent the vaccine-preventable disease in liver transplant candidates not only before but also after transplant. Every effort should be made to assure that candidates are immunized early in the course of their disease. Also it may be indicated to recommend a special guideline for immunization of liver transplant candidates and add other vaccines such as Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine to their vaccination program.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
01:22Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
01:51Vaccinations
01:24Tissue Transplantation
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...