Abstract
A study has been set up to evaluate the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine alone, without the use of immunoglobulin in interrupting perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus from carrier mothers to their babies. A 4 dose schedule was used. 14 of 17 babies of e antigen positive carrier mothers became actively immune when immunisations were started within 48 hours of birth. Effectiveness was reduced if immunisation was delayed. This report includes results from a total of 44 babies, the longest period of follow up being 2 years. The success of this scheme compares well with that of more intensive and less practical therapies using immunoglobulin either alone or combined with vaccine, and should be seriously considered for all babies of hepatitis B carrier mothers.
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Jackson, P., Boxall, E. & Tarlow, M. HEPATITIS B VACCINE WITHOUT IMMUNOGLOBULIN IN THE PREVENTION OF PERINATALLY TRANSMITTED HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION INITIAL REPORT OF A STUDY IN THE WEST MIDLANDS OF ENGLAND. Pediatr Res 20, 699 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198607000-00082
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198607000-00082