RESUMEN
Objective: To assess the effects of hepatitis B vaccination on the antibody titer in patients with chronic hepatitis C and to compare it with response in normal healthy subjects. Study Design: Interventional study. Place and Duration of Study: Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 2007 to January 2012
Methodology: Hepatitis vaccination [Heberbiovac-HB 20] was given intramuscularly to the patients of chronic hepatitis C [HCV group] and normal healthy subjects [control group] at 0, 1 and 6 months intervals. Anti-HBs titer was determined after second and third injection to assess the antibody response
Results: There were 46 patients in the HCV group and 45 patients in the control group. Mean age was 40.9 +/- 9.8 years in the HCV group and 33.18 +/- 8.35 years in the control group. Weight was 67.04 +/- 13.5 kg in the HCV group and 71.78 +/- 14.63 kg in the control group. Height was 162.45 +/- 9.06 cm in the HCV group and 167.03 +/- 7.83 cm in the control group. Anti-HBs antibody levels after the second injection were 253.89 +/- 76.76 mlU/mL in the HCV group and 245.81 +/- 72.65 mlU/mL in the control group [p=0.172]. After third injection, the antibody levels were slightly higher in both groups
Conclusion: In patients with chronic hepatitis C and normal healthy subjects, Heberbiovac HB in standard dosage gave sero-protective levels in both groups and antibody titers were not significantly different in control and HCV group