Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
08:04

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

Hepatitis B virus vaccination in children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome: immunogenicity and safety?

N Yıldız1, Lale Sever, Ö Kasapçopur

  • 1Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey. nurdan.yildiz@marmara.edu.tr

Vaccine
|May 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B vaccination (HBVac) is less effective in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) undergoing steroid therapy. Vaccination may increase relapse rates, suggesting careful consideration for HBVac in SSNS patients on steroids.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) is a common pediatric kidney disease.
  • Immunization is crucial for children with SSNS, but steroid therapy can impact vaccine efficacy.
  • The effectiveness and safety of Hepatitis B vaccine (HBVac) in SSNS patients require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Hepatitis B vaccine (HBVac) in children with SSNS.
  • To compare the immune response to HBVac in SSNS patients based on steroid usage.
  • To assess the impact of HBVac on relapse rates in SSNS patients.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 41 SSNS patients and 30 controls vaccinated with Engerix-B®.
  • SSNS patients were categorized into full-dose steroid users, alternate-day steroid users, and steroid non-users.
  • Seroconversion rates and antibody titers (HBsAb) were measured at 6, 12, and 15 months post-vaccination.

Main Results:

  • Lower seroconversion rates were observed in steroid users compared to non-users at 6 and 12 months.
  • Antibody titers differed significantly between subgroups and controls at 15 months, but not between subgroups at 12 and 15 months.
  • Five patients were unresponsive to HBVac, and relapse rates increased post-vaccination (p=0.002).

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis B vaccination elicits a diminished immune response in SSNS children receiving steroid therapy.
  • HBVac administration may be associated with an increased risk of relapse in some SSNS patients.
  • Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for SSNS children on low-dose steroids or after steroid discontinuation.

Keywords:
ChildrenHepatitis B vaccinationImmune responseNephrotic syndromeSteroid therapy

More Related Videos

Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice07:25

Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice

Published on: September 25, 2019

Protective Efficacy and Pulmonary Immune Response Following Subcutaneous and Intranasal BCG Administration in Mice06:32

Protective Efficacy and Pulmonary Immune Response Following Subcutaneous and Intranasal BCG Administration in Mice

Published on: September 19, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...