Diminished IgG serum levels of Rubella, Diphtheria toxin, Hepatitis B
virus (HBV) and Tetanus Toxoid in cancerous pediatric patients after
chemotherapy; a report from Iranian malignant children
Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy suppresses the immunoglobulin production due to
the cell toxicity. Decreased immunoglobulins levels results in
opportunistic infections. Assessment of immunoglobulin G (IgG) serum
levels against selected vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) before and 6
months after chemotherapy (AC) in a group of Iranian cancerous children.
Methods: Serum levels of Rubella, Diphtheria toxin, Hepatitis B virus
(HBV), Tetanus Toxoid, Mumps and Measles IgGs of were measured among 30
previously vaccinated malignant children. Six months AC, IgG serum
levels were retested to compare with the before treatment concentration.
Results: 17 (56.7%) individuals were male and the age mean±SD =
7.69±3.09 (3-15 years). The most frequent malignancy was ALL (56.7%).
Rubella IgG was decreased from 73.88±85.11 to 56.59±72.84 IU/mL
(P< 0.05; r= 0.956; 33.4% became negative AC (NAC),
Diphtheria toxin IgG was diminished from 0.683±0.454 to 0.174±0.248
IU/mL (P< 0.05; r= 0.601; 26.7% NAC); Anti-HBV IgG was
reduced from 46.26±101.56 to 25.56±80.49 IU/mL (p< 0.05; r=
0.524; 60% NAC) and Anti-Tetanus Toxoid IgG was fall down from
1.031±0.582 to 0.321±0.408 IU/mL (p< 0.05; r= 0.365; 33.4%
NAC). Anti-Measles and Anti-Mumps IgGs were not significantly changed
(p> 0.05). Conclusion: Pediatric chemotherapy was
associated with diminished IgG serum levels of most VPD. Quantitative
estimations showed that: when the higher or lower IgG exists before
chemotherapy, the higher and lower levels remain 6 months after
treatment, respectively. Revaccination program is suggested against
opportunistic infectious threats in Iranian pediatrics suffering cancer
and undergoing chemotherapy. This approach enhances their survival and
quality of life.