A Randomized, Open-Label Trial of Three Hepatitis B Vaccination Schemas in HIV-Positive Youth

Suboptimal response to hepatitis B vaccination in HIV-positive adults and children has been well documented in the literature. This Phase 4 trial compared the immune system response to 3 hepatitis B vaccine regimens in HIV-positive adolescents 12 through 24 years of age. The three vaccination schemas were the standard adult dosing of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-only vaccine (Engerix 20mcg), the increased adult dosing of HBV-only vaccine (Engerix 40 mcg), and the standard adult dosing of combined HBV/hepatitis A virus vaccine (Twinrix 720 EIA HAV Ag plus 20 mcg HBsAg), all at Entry, Week 4, and Week 24. Primary sero-reponses were evaluated at Week 28, and primary non-responders (antibody response of < 10 IU/ml) were provided with a booster vaccine using the increased-dose Engerix-B vaccine at Week 48.