Effect of Hepatitis B Vaccination in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

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 A +- 9.8 years in the HCV group and 33.18 A +- 8.35 years in the control group. Weight was 67.04 A +- 13.5 kg in the HCV group and 71.78 A +- 14.63 kg in the control group. Height was 162.45 A +- 9.06 cm in the HCV group and 167.03 A +- 7.83 cm in the control group. Anti-HBs antibody levels after the second injection were 253.89 A +- 76.76 mlU/mL in the HCV group and 245.81 A +- 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. (author)