Long‐term protection against hepatitis B in pediatric liver recipients can be achieved effectively with vaccination after transplantation

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2006.00540.x
• Publication Date: 2006-05-19T08:43:40Z
• Authors: Choon Hyuck David...; Kyung‐Suk Suh; Nam‐Joon Yi; Seong‐Hwan Chang; Yong Beom Cho; Jai‐Young Cho; Hoan Jong Lee; Jeong Kee Seo; Kuhn Uk Lee
• Keywords: Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B vaccine

Abstract: Liver recipients who have antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) or received an anti‐HBc positive liver graft are at risk of acquiring de novo infection so a life long prophylaxis is required. A post‐transplant vaccination against virus (HBV) can offer better alternative than either hyperimmune globulin (HBIG) lamivudine. This study investigated the course anti‐HBs titer after and analyzed factors that influence response. Between October 1999 February 2003, 37 pediatric patients were given when was used, recipient positive, below 20 IU/L irrespective serological status. Thirty‐three responded vaccine did not require further HBIG injections mean follow up 33.6 months. Fifteen good responder only needed single set vaccines, 18 poor needing additional boosters. Two developed two required injections. Preoperative severity disease, status HBV donor, use pulse steroid therapy, type dose time interval between doses had no on response rate. Recipients with high preoperative anti‐HB titer, small graft–recipient weight ratio (GRWR), greater catch growth, heavier body weight, lower tacrolimus level vaccination, longer transplant medication yielded If well tailored, be effective for prolonged period time.