Antibody Response to Influenza Vaccination in Renal Transplant Patients

Abstract

Thirty renal transplant recipients received 0.5 ml of Influenza Virus Vaccine, Bivalent, USP, intramuscularly. Serum hemagglutination-inhibiting and nasal secretory neutralizing antibodies were measured before and 3 to 4 weeks after vaccination. Creatinine clearance and urinary protein excretion were measured before and weekly for 4 to 8 weeks after vaccination. Ten of 13 patients (77%) with creatinine clearance of ≥ 70 ml/min·1.73m² (group I) had ≥ a fourfold increase in hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody titers to influenza A or B virus after vaccination, while only six of 17 patients (35%) with creatinine clearance of < 70 ml/min·1.73m² (group II) had a similar increase (chi-square = 5.129; P < 0.05). Six of 13 patients (46%) in group I had ≥ a fourfold increase in neutralizing antibody titers to influenza A or B virus after vaccination, whereas none in group II had a similar increase (chi-square = 7.135; P < 0.01). There were no adverse effects on the allografts. Only minor side effects were noted in a few patients. Because of its safety and antigenicity, influenza vaccination should be offered to renal transplant recipients particularly during threats of epidemic outbreaks.