High prevalence of hepatitis A and B nonimmunity in pediatric liver transplant recipients

• Published in: Clinical transplantation Vol. 37; no. 8; pp. e15035 - n/a
• Main Authors: St Maurice, Annabelle, Ng, G, Aryasomayajula, C, Liman, A, McDiarmid, SV, Venick, RS, Wozniak, Laura J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Denmark 01.08.2023
• Subjects: hepatitis; immunity; liver transplant; pediatric immunizations; pediatric immunizations; immunity; hepatitis; liver transplant
• ISSN: 0902-0063; 1399-0012
• DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15035

Background Pediatric liver transplant recipients are at increased risk of post‐transplant infections. The purpose of this study was to quantify hepatitis A and B non‐immunity based on antibody titers in liver transplant recipients. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 107 pediatric liver transplant recipients at a single medical center from 2000 to 2017. We compared hepatitis immune patients to non‐immune patients and studied response to vaccination in patients immunized post‐transplantation. Results Eighty‐one percent of patients had pre‐transplant immunity to hepatitis A whereas 68% had pre‐transplant immunity to hepatitis B. Post‐transplant hepatitis B immunity decreased to 33% whereas post‐transplant hepatitis A immunity remained high at 82%. Older age and time since transplantation were significantly associated with hepatitis B non‐immunity. Most patients responded to doses post‐transplantation with 78% seroconversion following hepatitis A re‐immunization and 83% seroconversion following hepatitis B re‐immunization. Conclusions Pediatric liver transplant recipients are at risk of hepatitis A and B non‐immunity, particularly with respect to hepatitis B. Boosters post‐transplant may improve immunity to hepatitis viruses.