https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31335765 Transplant
Transplantation. 2019 Jul 15. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000002866. [Epub ahead of print]
Long-term seroprotection of varicella-zoster immunization in pediatric liver transplant recipients.
Verolet CM1, Pittet LF1, Wildhaber BE2, McLin VA3, Rodriguez M1, Grillet S4, Siegrist CA1,4, Posfay-Barbe KM1.
Author information

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Chickenpox is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease that can lead to severe complications, especially in immunocompromised patients. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccine appears to be safe and immunogenic in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients, but there are few data on the long-term vaccine-induced seroprotection.

METHODS:
In this prospective interventional study we offered two doses of VZV vaccine to all eligible and nonseroprotected children seen 1 year after liver transplant. Vaccine responses were measured 1 month later and yearly thereafter. Vaccine safety was closely monitored. A supplementary dose was administered if protective levels were not reached/maintained.

RESULTS:
Among 121 enrolled patients, 49 were vaccinated and followed during 5.5 years (IQR 3.7-8.0). Their seroconversion rate reached 100% (97.5% confidence interval [CI] 92.7-100). Low VZV-antibody concentration (≤400 UI/L) after the first 1-2 dose/s was associated with the need for a supplementary dose (odds ratio 15.0; 95% CI 3.4-67.0, p=0.001) and was given to 31% (15/47) of children at 1.1 year (IQR [interquartile range] 0.9-3.9). Although antibody concentrations declined during follow-up, 96% (95% CI 86.0-99.5) of patients maintained protective antibody concentrations at a median of 5.5 years post vaccination. One breakthrough disease was identified.

CONCLUSION:
VZV immunization of pediatric solid organ transplant recipients confers sustained seroprotection.

Published on: 
Jul-2019

CLF Intro movie

Financial Aid Offered by Trusts

Follow us on: