Immunogenicity of a hexavalent combination vaccine in rhesus monkeys.

Preclinical immunogenicity studies were conducted in rhesus monkeys to determine whether there is immune interference in the response to one or more components of a hexavalent vaccine (Hexavac) that contains antigens from Haemophilus influenzae (Hib), hepatitis B (HB), diphtheria (D), tetanus (T), acellular pertussis (aP) and inactivated polio virus (IPV). Antibody responses were measured following co-administration of the components at three separate anatomical sites or administration as a hexavalent combination in a single site. After three injections of the hexavalent vaccine, the peak antibody responses to each component of the vaccine were >100-fold above pre-immune titers and persisted at levels >10-fold above pre-immune titers at approximately 1 year. Immune interference was observed in the peak response to HB, D and pertussis toxin, but was not seen at later time points. The results indicate that the rhesus monkey model may be useful for pre-clinical evaluation of combination vaccines.

Growth in children following kidney transplantation.

Growth was assessed in children following 128 separate kidney transplants using a generalized growth curve multivariate analysis. The height standard deviation score was the dependent variable. Time since transplant, prednisone dosage, and creatinine clearance were the independent variables. For the purposes of comparison patients were grouped according to sex, race, age at transplantation, initial allograft function, acute rejection episodes and the use of cyclosporin A. Patient's height standard deviation scores tended to increase negatively after transplantation. However, children who received transplants before their 7th birthday, with initial allograft function greater than 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, exhibited "catch-up" growth. Height standard deviation scores positively improved in males but not in females, as prednisone dosage was decreased. Height standard deviation scores became more negative as renal function decreased after transplantation. Changes in renal function produced the greatest effect upon height in black children, children less than 7 years, and males.