Vaccination Status of Children Considered for Renal Transplant: Missed Opportunities for Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Abstract

Objectives: Infectious diseases, even vaccine preventable ones, might affect transplanting and the life course in pediatric solid-organ recipients. Owing to immunosuppression and decreased antibody production, susceptibility to infections is increased in these patients.

Materials and Methods: The present study was designed to assess the vaccination and antibody status of the pediatric renal transplant patients. Fifty-one patients who were admitted to the regional transplant center for renal transplant were retrospectively evaluated. Patient’s vaccination charts were examined, and their immunization status was determined by antibody titers against hepatitis B, hepatitis A, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.

Results: The study group was composed of 23 males and 28 females (mean age, 10.8 y; age range, 2-17 y). All patients’ vaccination status was appropriate with their ages according to national vaccination program. Antibodies were positive for hepatitis B in 84.3% patients, 76.5% for hepatitis A, 72.5% for measles, 64.7% for mumps, 64.7% for rubella, and 72.5% for varicella.

Conclusions: Seronegativity for common childhood diseases may complicate the posttransplant period owing to increased risk of infections. Especially in developing countries, immunization protocols and vaccination program schedules should be reviewed before transplant to prevent serious complications caused by these diseases.