Hepatitis B Vaccination Status in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease

Context

Increased risk of acquiring Hepatitis B virus infection in these patients because of increased exposure to blood products, shared hemodialysis (HD) equipment, breaching of skin, frequent injections and immunodeficiency are most possible reasons.

Aims

This study aimed to see the status of hepatitis B vaccination among children with CKD & to see the factors associated with non-responders.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Bangladesh Institute of Child Health and Dhaka Shishu (children) Hospital, from July 2018 to Dec 2019. A total of 36 previously diagnosed advanced stages of CKD patients were enrolled in the study.

Results

A total of 36 CKD patients were included in the study, 55.55% (n=20) were male and 44.44% (n=16) were female. The mean age and duration of CKD were 8.57±0.59 years and 1.54±0.26 years respectively. 100 % of patients were vaccinated for hepatitis B and the infection rate was 0%. There was a significantly lower seroprotection rate when compared with the seroconversion rate. The male gender had a significant chance of decreased immunogenicity concerning the vaccine against HB, while the female showed a better response.

Conclusion

Periodic monitoring of antibody titer and secondary vaccination should be recommended to obtain a higher seroprotection level.