BACKGROUND: The level of maternal antibodies decreases more quickly in preterm than term infants, leaving them unprotected against measles. To protect premature infants from measles, an early vaccination trial was investigated. METHODS: Changes in the serum measles neutralization test (NT) antibody titer were examined in 152 infants (average gestational period, 29 weeks; average birthweight, 1203 g). RESULTS: The average antibody titer (2(n)) was 2(3.5) at birth and 2(2.2) at 1-3 months of age, and in all cases, NT antibody titer decreased to <1:4 (150 IU/mL). The AIK-C measles vaccine was given to 17 preterm infants at the age of 6 months, and induced sufficient serological responses without any serious adverse events. NT antibody level did not decay during 12 months after vaccination. CONCLUSION: Early immunization at 6 months of age is effective to protect preterm infants in the outbreak setting.
BACKGROUND: The level of maternal antibodies decreases more quickly in preterm than term infants, leaving them unprotected against measles. To protect premature infants from measles, an early vaccination trial was investigated. METHODS: Changes in the serum measles neutralization test (NT) antibody titer were examined in 152 infants (average gestational period, 29 weeks; average birthweight, 1203 g). RESULTS: The average antibody titer (2(n)) was 2(3.5) at birth and 2(2.2) at 1-3 months of age, and in all cases, NT antibody titer decreased to <1:4 (150 IU/mL). The AIK-C measles vaccine was given to 17 preterm infants at the age of 6 months, and induced sufficient serological responses without any serious adverse events. NT antibody level did not decay during 12 months after vaccination. CONCLUSION: Early immunization at 6 months of age is effective to protect preterm infants in the outbreak setting.
Authors: Jolice P van den Berg; Elisabeth A M Westerbeek; Gaby P Smits; Fiona R M van der Klis; Guy A M Berbers; Ruurd M van Elburg Journal: PLoS One Date: 2014-04-11 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Anna Bednarek; Małgorzata Bartkowiak-Emeryk; Robert Klepacz; Barbara Ślusarska; Danuta Zarzycka; Andrzej Emeryk Journal: Med Sci Monit Date: 2018-07-23