[Investigation on immunization program coverage rate and its safety in children with tuberous sclerosis]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neurology
• Immunology

Background:

• Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, including the brain, potentially impacting neurodevelopment and increasing seizure risk.
• National Immunization Programs (NIPs) are crucial for preventing infectious diseases in children.
• Concerns exist regarding the safety and efficacy of vaccinations in children with pre-existing neurological conditions like TSC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the immunization status of the National Immunization Program (NIP) in children with tuberous sclerosis (TSC).
• To determine the rate of adverse reactions following vaccination in children with TSC.
• To compare vaccination coverage and adverse event rates between children with TSC and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data on vaccination coverage and adverse events.
• The study included 72 children diagnosed with TSC and 78 healthy children as controls.
• Data were collected from children admitted to the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital between December 2014 and November 2015.

Main Results:

• The age-appropriate NIP coverage rate in children with TSC was significantly low at 36%.
• Adverse events or suspected adverse events post-vaccination occurred in 17% of TSC children, compared to 3% in controls (P<0.05).
• Seizure events were the primary adverse events reported in TSC children (92% of all adverse events).

Conclusions:

• Children with TSC exhibit a low rate of age-appropriate NIP vaccination, often due to parental concerns about seizures.
• The higher incidence of adverse events, particularly seizures, in TSC children post-vaccination may be linked to underlying nervous system abnormalities.
• Vaccination of children with TSC is considered relatively safe, with no reported serious adverse events.