The study was conducted on 60 infants born to Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative mothers. Their gestational age ranged from 32 to 40 weeks (36+2.8) and their birth weight ranged from 1250 to 3800 gm (2345±885). Assessment of the seroprotection of these infants after hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination (at 2, 4 and 6 months of age) and its relation to prematurely, birth weight and other factors on seroconversion was done. Anti-Has antibody concentrations were measured after one month after the third vaccine dose (at 7 months of age). Hepatitis B seroprotection could be obtained in 100% of infants with birth weight of 1500 gm or more. Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (< 1500 gm) seroprotection was 37.5% which is unacceptably high. Lower gestational age. sepsis. respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), treatment with steroids or infants had history of blood transfusion were associated with poor seroprotection rates (33.32%. 33.396. 66.7%, 66.6%, and 66.7% respectivly). We concluded that, premature infants of birth weight <1500 gm, and who suffered from RDS, sepsis, received blood transfusion or had treated with steroids, their anti-Has antibody level must be checked after the age of 7 months to decide if they in need of a booster dose of HBV vaccine or not. |
