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Cristina Targa Ferreira

Publications and source records attributed to Cristina Targa Ferreira.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Viral hepatitis prevention by immunization.

OBJECTIVE: To present an updated review and criticism of viral hepatitis A and B prevention by immunization. SOURCES OF DATA: Review of medical articles obtained from the MEDLINE database. The most recent and representative articles on the subject (2000-2006) were selected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Brazilian Society of Pediatrics and Brazilian Ministry of Health websites were also researched. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Viral hepatitis prevention is an enormous challenge to the public health systems of countries and the medical and scientific communities. Hepatitis viruses produce important morbidity and mortality in the world, causing acute and chronic hepatic disease. There are highly efficient vaccines available on the market to prevent new infections by the A and B viruses. However, A and B viruses continue to be among the most commonly notified diseases preventable by vaccines. In this article, we discuss the vaccines used to prevent these infections, with the aim of expanding knowledge and the practice of prevention of these infectious diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Although the vaccines against A and B hepatitis are recommended for various risk groups, estimated vaccine coverage is still modest and many vaccination opportunities are lost. In order to reduce the incidence of A and B hepatitis, which are preventable by vaccines, it is necessary for physicians to encourage their patients to be vaccinated.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2004

Immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated hepatitis A vaccine in children with Down syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis A vaccine has not been investigated in children with Down syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated hepatitis A vaccine in noninstitutionalized children with Down syndrome and compare their responses to those of healthy control children. METHODS: An open, prospective, controlled trial of 127 children ages 1 to 12 years, 63 with Down syndrome and 64 healthy control subjects, was conducted at a single hospital. Inactivated hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine containing 720 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay units of alum-adsorbed HAV was administered intramuscularly in a two-dose schedule at 0 and 6 months. Seroconversion and anti-HAV titers were measured at months 1 and 7. RESULTS: Seroconversion rates at month 1 were 92% and 94% and geometric mean titers (GMT) were 164.02 and 160.77 mIU/mL in the Down syndrome (DS) and control groups, respectively. At month 7, seroconversion rates were 100% in both groups, with GMT of 1,719.86 and 2,344.90 mIU/mL in the DS and control groups, respectively (P = 0.117). Both doses were well tolerated and no significant adverse events observed. Local reaction at the injection site was the most common adverse event reported in both groups (15% in DS and 11% in controls). CONCLUSIONS: The authors' data demonstrate a good response to HAV vaccination in children with DS living at home, with GMT not statistically different from that of healthy control children. HAV vaccine is well tolerated and highly immunogenic in children with DS.

Child↗
PubMed2003

Immunogenicity and safety of hepatitis A vaccine in children with chronic liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Acute hepatitis A superimposed on chronic liver disease has been associated with a more severe course of disease and development of fulminant hepatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated hepatitis A virus vaccine in children with chronic liver disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was an open, prospective, and controlled trial with 89 anti-HAV negative children between 1 and 16 years of age studied at a pediatric liver disease and transplantation referral center. Inactivated HAV vaccine (Havrix), from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals containing 720 Elisa units of alum-adsorbed hepatitis A antigen per 0.5 ml dose was used. Thirty-four pediatric patients with chronic liver disease (mean age: 7.0 +/- 4.86 years) and 55 healthy controls (mean age: 4.8 +/- 2.7 years) received two doses of Havrix vaccine in months zero and six. Seroconversion and anti-HAV titers expressed as geometric mean titers (GMT) in mIU/ml were measured at months one and seven, by a modified Hepatitis A virus antibodies (HAVAB) assay. RESULTS: Seroconversion rates at four weeks after primary immunization were 76% and 94% and the GMT 107.77 and 160.77 mIU/ml in the patient and control groups, respectively. One month after second dose the seroconversion rates were 97% and 100% in the groups with GMT of 812.40 and 2,344.90 mIU/ml. Both doses were well tolerated with no significant adverse events observed. Local injection-site symptoms were the most common reactions reported in both groups. CONCLUSION: Although GMTs were significantly lower in children with chronic liver disease compared to healthy controls, the overall seroconversion rates were not different. Hepatitis A virus vaccine was safe, well-tolerated, and immunogenic in children with chronic liver disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Seroprevalence of hepatitis a antibodies in a group of normal and Down syndrome children in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil.

The high incidence of Hepatitis A and B in institutionalized patients with Down Syndrome (DS) is not fully understood. Under poor hygienic conditions, immunological alterations might predispose individuals to these infections. Sixty three DS children between 1 and 12 years old living at home with their families were examined for anti-HAV and compared to age-matched controls (64 healthy children). This cross-sectional study was carried out from May 1999 to April 2000 at the Hospital de Clínicas of Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. Groups were compared in terms of age, sex, skin color, and family income (> R$ 500 and < R $ 500/month) by the chi-square test, with Yates' correction and for the prevalence of anti-HAV (Fisher's exact test). In the DS group (n=63), the mean age was 4.4 +/- 3.3 years, 94% of the patients were white and 51% were female. Family income was < or = R$ 500/month in 40 cases (63%). In the control group (n=64), the mean age was 4.8 +/- 2.7 years, 81% of the patients were white and 56% were female. Family income was < or = R$ 500 in 20 patients (31%). DS children's families had a significantly lower income (P<0.0005). In the DS group there were 6 positive (9.5%) anti-HAV cases, and all came from low-income families (less than R$ 500/ month). In the control group, 3 cases (4.7%) were positive for anti-HAV (two were from a low-income family and one was from a higher income family). These differences were not significant. Our data indicate that Hepatitis A is not a special risk for mentally retarded DS outpatients, even in a developing country like Brazil.

Brazil↗