Immunisation against varicella in end stage and pre-end stage renal failure. Issue 2 (1st February 2000)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Webb, Nicholas J A; Fitzpatrick, Margaret M; Hughes, David A; Brocklebank, Trevor J; Judd, Brian A; Lewis, Malcolm A; Postlethwaite, Robert J; Smith, Patricia A; Corbitt, Gerald
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 82:Issue 2(2000)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2000-02-01
• Subjects: immunisation -- varicella -- end stage kidney failure -- renal transplantation; Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.82.2.141
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVES: To investigate the seroconversion rate and duration of persistence of protective antibody titres after varicella immunisation in children with renal failure. DESIGN: 32 children (25 end stage and 7 pre-end stage renal failure) were immunised using 2 × 2000 plaque forming unit doses of varicella vaccine 3 months apart. Varicella antibody titres were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: All children initially seroconverted after immunisation. At a mean follow up of 20.3 months, 23 of 28 had protective antibody titres, 4 children having died of unrelated causes. Two children required a third booster dose. 11 children underwent renal transplantation; 10 had protective titres at the time of transplantation and, at a mean of 23.4 months after immunisation, 6 currently have protective titres. Minor side effects occurred after 11 vaccine doses in 9 children. No child developed varicella, despite 10 clear episodes of exposure to the wild-type virus. CONCLUSIONS: Varicella immunisation in children with end stage and pre-end stage renal failure results in a high rate of seroconversion and persistence of protective antibody titres. More widespread use of the vaccine before renal transplantation is recommended.