VACcination of LIver Transplantation Candidates

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Vaccine immunogenicity: Evaluation of the vaccine immunogenicity by standard approved serological tests

Study summary

Chronic hepatic disease, and especially cirrhosis, are associated to a global dysfunction of the immune system. Liver transplantation represents the only replacement therapy for end-stage liver disease and a curative means of localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but required immunosuppressive treatment to limit the risk of rejection. Candidates for liver transplantation are at an increased risk for severe infections, some of which can be prevented by vaccination. With regard to vaccine preventable diseases, these patients share the same pitfalls than all immunocompromised individuals: i) a theoretical or proven increased incidence and severity of certain infections warranting specific vaccine recommendations; ii) a decrease in immunogenicity of vaccine; iii) a risk of developing vaccine disease after administration of live attenuated vaccines. It is therefore recommended for all patients awaiting liver transplantation: i) updating the vaccinations recommended in general population (DTPw, MMR); ii) vaccination against viral hepatitis A and B to limit the risk of severe hepatitis; iii) vaccination against pneumococcal infection, influenza and chickenpox more common and more serious in this population. However, these recommendations are based on theoretical assessments and experts opinions; i) immunogenicity of vaccination in cirrhotic patients and persistence of post-transplant protection had been poorly assessed as well as their determinants; ii) there are only a few data regarding the tolerance of vaccinations in this population; iii) vaccination coverage of patients with end-stage liver disease is poorly known in France and; iv) the perception and acceptability of vaccinations have not been evaluated in this population.

Investigators hypothesis is that: the vaccination schedule currently recommended for liver transplantation does not provide adequate protection against vaccine targets 6 months after liver transplantation.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Proportion of vaccine " responder " according to serological results measured 6 months after liver transplantation — 6 months after liver transplantation
  Vaccine immunogenicity will be assess by titration of specific antibodies by standard approved serological tests and patients will be considered if their antibody title exceed protection threshold defined by the WHO and support by the literature when available (for example for tetanus or diphtheria vaccines), or a 4-fold increase in antibody titers compared to antibodies titers measures before vaccination when a protection threshold is not formally defined (for example for pneumococcus vaccination)

Trial sites (1)

More Hospices Civils de Lyon trials in France

Other trials for the same condition