Effect of vaccination schedule and dialysis on hepatitis B vaccination response in uraemic patients.

Antibody response to vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine (HB-Vax) was evaluated in 43 staff, 81 dialysis patients and 12 non-dialysed uraemic patients. We confirmed less frequent seroconversion and lower concentration of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) in dialysis patients despite a higher dose (40 micrograms vaccine). However, more frequent vaccination (5 times vs 3) increased anti-HBs concentration to almost normal. Concomitant administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccine (passive/active) did not interfere with vaccination success. Antibody response was equally poor in dialysed non-dialysed uraemic patients.