A Randomized Controlled Trial of Two Hepatitis A Vaccine Doses Among Adolescents With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Crohn's Disease on Immunosuppressive Therapy: A Pilot Study

Detailed Summary

The study is a prospective, single centre, double-blinded randomized controlled trial whose goal is to compare the immune response of a population of immunosuppressed pediatric rheumatology patients on immunosuppressive medications to two different doses of Hepatitis A vaccine. The objectives are (a) to confirm that adolescents, like their adult counterparts, have a reduced immune response to hepatitis A vaccine, and (b) to compare the immunogenicity of two different dosing options of vaccine for this age group after one and two doses. A total of 60 adolescents aged 12 - 15 years with confirmed chronic rheumatologic conditions for which they are being treated with an immunosuppressive therapy will be recruited from the Rheumatology Clinic at Alberta Children's Hospital (ACH). Those found to have no immunity to hepatitis A will be enrolled. Informed, written consent will be obtained from the parent or guardian of subject, with assent obtained from the study subjects. Subjects will be randomly assigned to two doses of either Avaxim Pediatric® or Avaxim ® (adult) vaccine (Sanofi Pasteur Canada), six months apart, with hepatitis A titres done at baseline and one month after each dose. Both formulations are licensed for this age group.

Study Details

Timeline

Interventions