Immunization of haemophiliacs against hepatitis B. A joint study between the haemophilia centers in Leuven, Belgium and Malmö, Sweden.

Abstract

Patients with bleeding disorders (N = 30) subjected to a current risk of contracting hepatitis B by treatment with plasma products as well as normal individuals (N = 75) were immunized with MSD's hepatitis B vaccine. Eight haemophiliacs were immunized in Leuven, Belgium, and 22 in Malmo, Sweden. 53 of the controls were immunized in Leuven (26 s.c. and 27 i.m.) and 22 in Malmo. The immunogenicity was the same in haemophiliacs as in the controls showing a more potent reaction in individuals 10 years old and belonged to the control group. Very few adverse reactions (swollen, sore arm) were observed.