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[Vaccination against influenza in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia]
T Jackowska1, L Brydak, R Rokicka-Milewska
1Katedra i Klinika Pediatrii, Hematologii i Onkologii Akademii Medycznej w Warszawie.
Insights
Influenza vaccination in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia demonstrated significant immunological efficacy. The study found the vaccine effectively increased antibody levels and protection rates against influenza strains in this high-risk group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are a high-risk group for influenza complications.
- Assessing influenza vaccine immunogenicity in pediatric ALL patients is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunological efficacy of a subunit trivalent influenza vaccine in children with ALL.
- To compare antibody production and protection rates in vaccinated ALL patients versus a control group.
Main Methods:
- 49 children (ages 4-20) with ALL received a trivalent influenza vaccine.
- Antibody levels (GMT) and seroprotection rates were measured pre- and post-vaccination.
- A control group of healthy children was included for comparison.
Main Results:
- Vaccinated ALL patients showed significant increases in GMT for H1N1 and H3N2 (over fourfold).
- Seroprotection rates were 35% (H1N1), 76% (H3N2), and 100% (HB).
- Response rates were 33% (H1N1), 47% (H3N2), and 45% (HB), with lower rates in the control group.
Conclusions:
- The subunit trivalent influenza vaccine demonstrated significant immunological efficacy in children with ALL.
- Vaccination is effective in inducing protective antibody levels in this high-risk pediatric population.
- Influenza vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups, including children undergoing leukemia treatment.
Abstract:
In November and December 1993, 49 children, ages 4 to 20, suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, were vaccinated against influenza in the Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Medical Academy in Warsaw. These patients were vaccinated either in the course of maintenance treatment or after treatment. Each dose of Wyeth USA subunit trivalent influenza vaccine contained 15 micrograms of hemagglutinin of strains recommended for that season. The level of antibody production was determined in pre- and post vaccination sera in the group of children with leukemia and the control group. It was determined that in the investigated group, the GMT increased more than four times for hemagglutinins H1N1 and H3N2. A somewhat lower increase was observed in case of hemagglutinin HB. The proportion of subjects protected after vaccination was 35% for hemagglutinin H1N1, 76% for H3N2 and 100% for HB. The response rate was 33% for hemagglutinin H1N1, 47% for H3N2 and 45% for HB. In the control group the proportion of subjects protected and the response rate were very low. The results show the significant immunological efficacy of the vaccine used in the vaccination against influenza in high risk groups.