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[Results of neonatal vaccination against hepatitis B in Frosinone]
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination combined with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) effectively prevents perinatal HBV transmission in newborns. This prophylaxis achieved high antibody titers in 98.6% of infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Neonates born to mothers positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) face a high risk of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection due to perinatal exposure.
- The Latium region's HBV prevention program has recommended prophylaxis with both HBIG and HBV vaccine since 1985 for these infants.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the prophylactic efficacy of a combined Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine regimen in neonates born to HBsAg-positive mothers.
Summary:
- A study examined 89 neonates receiving HBIG and a three-dose HBV vaccine series (HBVAX). Antibody titers against HBsAg (anti-HBs) were measured. The regimen demonstrated high efficacy, with 98.6% of infants achieving protective anti-HBs titers (≥10 mUI/ml) and 84% reaching higher titers (≥150 mUI/ml).
- The vaccination schedule was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported, indicating its safety for neonatal use.
Impact:
- The findings support the established HBV prophylaxis protocol, demonstrating its significant success in preventing perinatal HBV transmission.
- This study reinforces the importance of timely vaccination and HBIG administration for infants born to Hepatitis B-infected mothers, contributing to global HBV control efforts.
Abstract:
Neonates born to HBSAg-positive mothers are at increased risk of HBV, mainly because of perinatal exposure. Since 1985 the HBV Regional prevention and control program of Latium recommends prophylaxis both with HBIG and HBV vaccine at birth for all infants born to HBaAg-positive mothers. From 1-1-80 to 1-5-88 89 neonates (52 males, 37 female) from Local Health Units (U.S.L.) FR 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 have been examined at the Centre for Vaccination against HBV of Frosinone. Prophylaxis was accomplished both by HBIG 1 ml. I.M.) at birth and HBV vaccine (5.5 ml. I.M. of HBVAX) at birth, and at 1 and 6 months. All injections were given in the gluteal muscle. Antibody titer to HBsAg (antiHBs) detectable by RIA was tested 1 month after or by the time of the third injection of vaccine. Non-responders (anti HBs less than 10 mUI/ml) were given an extra dose of vaccine (0.5 ml I.M.). 85 neonates accomplished vaccination receiving three injections of HBVAX; 4 neonates received only one dose as their parents refused to continue vaccination. Two neonates (non-responders) out of 85 required another dose of vaccine, but only one seroconvertion appeared. No serious side effects have been seen: one case of anorexia and one case of low-grade fever, with no need to interrupt or modify immunization schedule. In the present study the prophylactic efficacy of HBV vaccine has been demonstrated providing 98.6% of cases with antiHBs titer greater than or equal to 10 mUI/ml, and 84% of cases with antiHBs titer greater than or equal to 150 mUI/ml.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)