Seroprotection against hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella in children with diabetes

Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) account for a major proportion of childhood morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprotection status of common VPD in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The study enrolled 38 children aged 3-18 years with T1DM and 40 age-and sex-matched healthy controls. Demographic and clinical parameters were recorded. Venous blood samples were collected to estimate glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and antibody titers against hepatitis B and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Both groups had completed immunization for these diseases by 2 years of age. The median age was 9.5 years with mean (SD) HbA1c 11.41 (2.57) %. Adequate seroprotection against hepatitis B, MMR were 42.5%, 32.5%, 50%, and 65% in T1DM, respectively and 55%, 50%, 40%, 65% in controls, respectively (P > .05). The median (first and third quartile) antibody levels for hepatitis B and measles in T1DM were 4.32 (0, 113.67) mIU/l and 127.4 (44.78, 347.68) mIU/l, respectively, both below the seroprotection cut-offs and lower than in controls (P > 0.05). The correlation (r) of age with anti-measles, antimumps, and antirubella antibody titers was 0.326 (P = 0.040), 0.096 (P = 0.554), and 0.334 (P = 0.035), respectively, in the cases. Anti-Hepatitis B titers correlated negatively with age (r = -0.287, P = .072). Lower seroprotection (statistically insignificant) to hepatitis B and measles were observed in children with T1DM than in controls. Physicians should consider surveillance of hepatitis B and measles, mumps, and rubella seroprotection in T1DM to evaluate the need for further boosters. Larger and more robust studies are needed on seroprotection in patients with T1DM.