Neurological complications associated with influenza in hospitalized children.

BACKGROUND: Influenza is a known respiratory and potential neurotropic virus. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and outcomes of influenza-related neurological complications among hospitalized children. METHODS: All medical records of hospitalized children aged <18 years old diagnosed with influenza at a tertiary care hospital in Bangkok were retrospectively reviewed. Influenza infection was confirmed by rapid antigen or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests. Neurological characteristics and clinical outcomes were analyzed using the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale. RESULTS: From 2013 to 2018, 397 hospitalized children with a median age of 3.7 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.6-6.9) were included. The prevalence of neurological complications, including seizure or acute encephalopathy, was 16.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.3-20.9). Influenza A and B were identified in 73.1% and 26.9% of the patients, respectively. Among 39 (58.2%) acute symptomatic seizure cases, 25 (37.3%) children had simple febrile seizures, 7 (10.4%) had repetitive seizures, and 7 (10.4%) had provoked seizures with pre-existing epilepsy. For 28 (41.8%) encephalopathy cases, the clinical courses were benign in 20 (29.9%) cases and severe in 8 (11.9%) cases. Ten (14.9%) children needed intensive care monitoring, and 62 (93.5%) fully recovered to their baselines at hospital discharge. Predisposing factors to the neurological complications included a history of febrile seizure (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 20.3; 95% CI: 6.6-63.0), pre-existing epilepsy (aOR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.3-10.2), and a history of other neurological disorders (aOR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.2-10.2). CONCLUSIONS: One fifth of hospitalized children with influenza had neurological complications with a favorable outcome. Children with pre-existing neurological conditions were at higher risk for developing neurological complications.

Immunogenicity of 2-dose pre-exposure rabies vaccine co-administered with quadrivalent influenza vaccine in children.

OBJECTIVES: The World Health Organization recommends a 2-dose rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimen. This study aimed to compare the immunogenicity of rabies PrEP regimens co-administered with inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine (IIV4). METHODS: Children aged 3 to 9 years were randomly assigned (2:2:1) to receive 0.25 mL of chromatographically purified Vero cell rabies vaccine intramuscularly: Group A at day 0, 7 with IIV4; Group B at day 0, 28 with IIV4; Group C at day 0, 7. A booster-dose of CPRV was given on day 365. Primary outcome was the proportion of children with protective rabies virus neutralizing antibody (RVNA) ≥ 0.5 IU/mL, on day 42 and 7 days post-booster. RESULTS: From November 2019 to January 2020; 100 children with a median age (IQR) of 5.4 years (4.8-7.3) were enrolled. All participants achieved protective RVNA titers on day 42 and 7-days post booster. Geometric mean titers (GMT) at day 42 were Group A, 8.98(95%CI 7.06-11.42); Group B, 23.89(95%CI 19.33-29.51); Group C, 9.94(95%CI 7.03-14.06). Likewise, RVNA GMT at 7 days post-booster were Group A, 42.53(95%CI 18.41-66.64); Group B, 23.19(95%CI 17.28-29.10); Group C, 57.75 (95%CI 35.86-79.67). CONCLUSIONS: The 2-dose PrEP regimen of rabies vaccine produces adequate immune response either 0,7 or 0, 28 regimens.

The Association between Hepcidin and Iron Status in Children and Adolescents with Obesity.

INTRODUCTION: Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common nutritional deficiency found in pediatric practice. A higher prevalence of ID may be found in children with obesity. Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammatory condition. It is postulated that inflammation increases hepcidin, a regulator of iron homeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between iron status, hepcidin, and BMI-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) in children with and without obesity. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of Thai children with obesity (5 to 15 years old) versus age- and sex-matched, nonobese controls was conducted. A total of 63 children with obesity and 27 controls were enrolled. Complete blood count, serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and total iron binding capacity were analyzed. Serum hepcidin-25 was assayed using a hepcidin ELISA Kit (Human Hepc25). RESULTS: There were 63 children with obesity, the median age (IQR) being 10 (9-13) years, and 27 controls. The median (IQR) BMI-SDS of the obese group was 2.3 (2.0-2.6) vs. -0.5 ((-1.3)-0.4) of the control group. ID was diagnosed in 27 children in the obese group (42.9%); 4 of the children with obesity and ID had anemia. Serum hepcidin-25 levels of the children with ID vs. without ID in the obese group were not significantly different (median (IQR) 25 (12.9-49.2) and 26.4 (12.6-43.6), respectively) but both of them were significantly higher than controls (19.7 (8.3-25.5) ng/ml, p = 0.04). BMI-SDS was positively correlated with hepcidin-25 (r = 0.28, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of iron deficiency in Thai children with obesity and serum hepcidin-25 was higher than controls. Further study in a larger population, preferably with interventions such as weight loss program, is warranted to clarify this association.

Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire Correlated with Body Compositions of Thai Children and Adolescents with Obesity: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a major threat to public health. Eating behavior and dietary intake of especially high energy-dense food with low nutrients contribute to the current epidemic of childhood obesity. However, the relationship between eating behavior and body composition has yet to be examined in Thai children and adolescents with obesity. We assessed the association between children's eating behaviors and their body composition in prerandomized patients who participated in the randomized trial titled "Impact of Dietary Fiber as Prebiotics on Intestinal Microbiota in Obese Thai Children". METHODS: During the prerandomization process, a cross-sectional study was conducted. We recruited children and adolescents aged 7 to 15 years from Bangkok, Thailand. Eating behaviors were assessed by the Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ), which is a parent or self-reported research instrument conducted by face-to-face interviews. Body mass index (BMI), BMI-for-age Z-score, waist and hip circumferences, and body compositions were assessed. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to assess associations between the study variables. RESULTS: Ninety-seven Thai children and adolescents with obesity participated in the study; 59 (61%) were male. Median [IQR] of age and BMI z-score were 10.5 [9.0, 12.2] years and 3.0 [2.6, 3.7], respectively. Subscale for Enjoyment of Food had the highest score. There were no associations between eating behaviors and BMI z-score. However, Emotional Overeating was associated with fat-free mass index (correlation coefficient = 0.24, p=0.02) and girls with obesity had lower scores in "Slowness in Eating" compared to boys [mean 2.1 versus 1.8, 95% CI: (-0.06, -0.01), p=0.04]. CONCLUSION: Among Thai children and adolescents with obesity, the difference in multidimensional eating behavior might be affected by fat-free mass. Additional study with a larger sample size needed to explore underlying mechanisms and findings can be used to develop future behavior modification program.

Pediatric and Neonatal Invasive Candidiasis: Species Distribution and Mortality Rate in a Thai Tertiary Care Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Invasive candidiasis (IC) is a serious infection among children with underlying medical conditions. A shift from C. albicans to non-albicans Candida has been observed worldwide. This study aims to identify species of Candida and factors associated with the overall 30-day mortality rate. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted among children with culture-confirmed IC from birth to 15 years of age at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to determine associated factors with 30-day mortality. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2019, 102 episodes of IC in pediatric group with a median age of 16 months (interquartile range 4-65) and 12 episodes of IC in neonatal group with a median age of 18 days (interquartile range 12-22). The species distribution were Candida albicans (35%), Candida parapsilosis (26%), Candida tropicalis (22%), Candida glabrata (6%) and other/unspecified species (11%). Antifungal treatment was given in 88% (67% Amphotericin B deoxycholate, 28% Fluconazole). Overall 30-day mortality rates were 28.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 20.8%-38.4%] and 8.3% (95% CI 1.2%-46.1%) in pediatrics and neonates, respectively. Mortality rate among the neutropenic group was significantly higher than non-neutropenic group (46.4% vs. 20.6%, P = 0.005). Factors associated with 30-day mortality in pediatric IC were shock [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 4.2; 95% CI 1.8-9.4], thrombocytopenia (aHR 7.7; 95% CI 1.8-33.9) and no antifungal treatment (aHR 4.6; 95% CI 1.7-12.1). CONCLUSIONS: Two-third of children with IC were diagnosed with non-albicans Candida. Children with high mortality rate included those with neutropenia, presented with shock or thrombocytopenia, such that the proper empiric antifungal treatment is recommended.

High prescribing rates of third-generation cephalosporins in children hospitalized with acute lower respiratory infections at a university hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for the treatment of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) in children ≤5 years of age, even though viral aetiologies are the most common. The aim of this study was to describe antibiotic prescribing rates and patterns in children ≤5 years of age hospitalized with ALRI. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted involving patients aged 1 month to 5 years hospitalized with ALRI at a university hospital. Patient demographics, ALRI diagnosis, microbiological data, antibiotics prescribed, and treatment outcomes were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 1283 patients were enrolled. Their median age was 1.6 years (interquartile range 0.8-2.8 years). Thirty-six percent had a co-morbidity. The diagnosis at discharge was viral ALRI in 81% and bacterial pneumonia in 19%. The mortality rate was 0.4%. The overall antibiotic prescribing rate was 46% (95% confidence interval 43-49%). Antibiotic prescribing rates were higher among children with co-morbidities (65% vs 35%, p < 0.001) and older children (57% for >2-5 years vs 39% for ≤2 years, p < 0.001). Parenteral third-generation cephalosporins were prescribed in up to 68% of all prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly-half of hospitalized children with ALRI were prescribed antibiotics. The majority of prescribed antibiotics were third-generation cephalosporins. An antimicrobial stewardship programme and antibiotic guidelines should be implemented to promote the judicious use of antibiotics.

Efficacy of chlorhexidine patches on central line-associated bloodstream infections in children.

BACKGROUND: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are important hospital-acquired infections. Chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings (also known as chlorhexidine patches, CHG patches) are reported to decrease CLABSIs in adults. This study aims to determine the efficacy of CHG patches in reducing CLABSIs in children. METHODS: An open-label randomized controlled trial was conducted in children aged 2 months to 18 years, requiring a short-term catheter. Patients were randomized into two groups, allocated to receive CHG patches or standard transparent dressings. Care of the catheter was in accordance with Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control (APSIC) recommendations. Central-line-associated bloodstream infections were defined using National Healthcare Safety Network surveillance criteria. RESULTS: From April 2017 to April 2018, 192 children were enrolled. There were 108 CHG patch catheters and 101 standard dressing catheters, contributing to 3,113 catheter days. The median duration of catheter dwelling was 13 days, with an interquartile range (IQR) of 8-20 days. Half were placed at the jugular vein and 22% at the femoral vein. There were 23 CLABSI events. Incidence rates for CHG patches and standard dressings were 7.98 (95% confidence interval (CI), 4.25-13.65) and 6.74 (95% CI, 3.23-12.39) per 1,000 catheter days, respectively (incidence rate ratio 1.18; 95% CI, 0.52-2.70). The CLABSI pathogens were 15 Gram-negative bacteria, six Gram-positive bacteria, and two Candida organisms. Catheter colonization of CHG patches and standard dressings were 2.02 (95% CI, 0.42-5.91) and 3.07 (95% CI, 1.00-7.16) per 1,000 catheter days, respectively. Only local adverse effects occurred in 6.8% of the participants. CONCLUSIONS: In our setting, there was no difference in CLABSI rates when the chlorhexidine patch dressings were compared with the standard transparent dressings. Strengthening of CLABSI prevention bundles is mandatory.

Behavioral problems in perinatally HIV-infected young children with early antiretroviral therapy and HIV-exposed uninfected young children: prevalence and associated factors.

Although behavioral problems have been observed in children and adolescents with perinatally-acquired HIV infection (PHIV), behavioral information regarding younger PHIV children are scarce. This study aims to identify behavioral problems in PHIV and HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children and to evaluate factors associated with such problems. A prospective study of PHIV and HEU young children was conducted. Behavioral problems were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) at baseline and 12 months later among children aged 18-60 months old. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Parenting Styles & Dimensions Questionnaire identified primary caregivers' symptoms of depression and parenting styles, respectively, at both visits. Chi-squared analyses were used to compare the prevalence of behavioral problems between groups. Factors associated with behavioral problems were analyzed by logistic regression. From 2016 to 2017, 121 children (41 PHIV and 80 HEU) were assessed with no significant differences in prevalence of Total, Internalizing, Externalizing, and Syndrome scales problems between PHIV and HEU at both visits (p > 0.5). Primary caregivers' depression and lower education in addition to authoritarian and permissive parenting styles were significantly related to child behavioral problems. Family-centered care for families affected by HIV, including positive parenting promotion, mental health care, and education are warranted.

Safety of 6-week Neonatal Triple-combination Antiretroviral Postexposure Prophylaxis in High-risk HIV-exposed Infants.

BACKGROUND: Combination antiretroviral drug regimens are increasingly preferred for neonatal postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) among HIV-exposed infants with high-risk of transmission. We evaluated the adverse events associated with the use of zidovudine (ZDV)/lamivudine (3TC)/nevirapine (NVP) for neonatal PEP during the first 6 weeks of life. METHODS: A prospective cohort of non-breast-fed HIV-exposed infants was conducted at 5 clinical sites in Thailand. Study population included 100 high-risk HIV-exposed infants (maternal HIV RNA > 50 copies/mL prior to delivery or received antiretroviral therapy less than 12 weeks) and 100 low-risk HIV-exposed neonates. High-risk infants received ZDV/3TC/NVP for 6 weeks whereas low-risk HIV-exposed neonates received a 4-week regimen of ZDV. Complete blood count, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were assessed at birth, 1, 2 and 4 months of life. RESULTS: From October 2015 to November 2017, 200 infants were enrolled, of which 18.5% had low birth weight < 2500 g. The proportion of infants with anemia grade 2 or higher at 1 and 2 months of life between ZDV/3TC/NVP and ZDV prophylaxis was 48.5% vs 32.3% (P=0.02); nevertheless, severe anemia (grade 3) was not significantly different; 9.2% vs 10.2% (P=0.81), respectively. At 1 month old, infants on ZDV/3TC/NVP prophylaxis had significantly higher grade 2 anemia versus infants on ZDV alone (33.0% vs 13.4%; P=0.001); however, no difference was observed at 2 months old. No differences in neutropenia or hepatotoxicity between infant prophylactic regimens were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Triple antiretroviral neonatal PEP with ZDV/3TC/NVP for 6 weeks in high-risk HIV-exposed infants did not significantly increase the risk of short-term toxicity compared with ZDV-monotherapy prophylaxis.

A randomized open-label trial of 2-dose or 3-dose pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis among Thai children.

BACKGROUND: World Health Organization changed the recommendation for pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis from 3-dose to 2-dose regimen in 2018. Given limited data of 2-dose regimens in pediatric population, this study aimed to compare the immunogenicity between 2-dose and 3-dose pre-exposure rabies immunization. METHODS: This study was conducted among healthy children aged 2-12 years. They were randomized to 2-dose vaccination (2D) on days 0 and 28 or 3-dose vaccination (3D) on days 0, 7, and 28. Purified Vero cell rabies vaccine (PVRV-Verorab™) was administered intramuscularly. Rabies virus neutralizing antibody (RVNA) titers were measured at 3 time points: 14-day after complete vaccination, 1-year pre-booster vaccination, and 7-day post-booster dose to mimic scenario of rabies exposure. RVNA titers ≥0.5 IU/ml were considered adequate antibody. T cell specific response to rabies vaccine antigen was measured using the interferon-gamma enzyme linked immunospot assay. RESULTS: From September to October 2017, 107 participants (51% males), 78 in 2D group and 29 in 3D group were enrolled. Median age was 5.8 years (IQR 4.4-7.3). All participants had RVNA titers ≥0.5 IU/ml after primary vaccination [GMT 2D: 18.6 (95%CI 15.9-21.8) and 3D: 16.3 (95%CI 13.2-20.1 IU/ml), p = 0.35]. At 1-year prior to receiving the booster, only 80% of the children in 2D group maintained RVNA titers ≥0.5 IU/ml compared to 100% of the children in 3D group (p = 0.01). However, all participants in both groups had RVNA ≥0.5 IU/ml at 7-day post booster vaccination [GMT 2D: 20.9 (95%CI 17.4-25.3) and 3D: 22.2 (95%CI 15.8-31.4) IU/ml (P = 0.75)]. The median number of IFN-γ secreting cells at 7-day post-booster dose was 98 and 128 SFCs per 106 PBMCs in the 2D and 3D groups, respectively (P = 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: Two-dose primary rabies immunization provided adequate antibody at post primary vaccination and post booster. The results support 2-dose regimen of pre-exposure rabies immunization in the pediatric population.

Low risk of neurodevelopmental impairment among perinatally acquired HIV-infected preschool children who received early antiretroviral treatment in Thailand.

INTRODUCTION: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended in perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV) infants immediately upon diagnosis. We aimed to compare neurodevelopmental outcomes between PHIV children who initiated ART within 12 months of life and perinatally HIV-exposed uninfected (PHEU) children and to assess neurodevelopmental outcomes by timing of ART. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included Thai children aged 12 to 56 months who were assessed with the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) at enrolment and at 48 weeks. Global Developmental Impairment (GDI) was defined as Early Learning Composite (ELC) ≤ 70 on the MSEL; typical developmental pattern was defined as ELC > 70 at both visits. Logistic regression was used to compare prevalence of any GDI. Predictors of changing ELC scores were analysed with generalized estimating equations linear regression model. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2017, 50 PHIV (twenty-seven early ART within three months and twenty-three standard ART within three to twelve months) and 100 PHEU children were enrolled. Median (IQR) age at first assessment was 28 (19 to 41) months. PHIV children had lower age-relevant Z scores for weight, height and head circumference compared to the PHEU group (p < 0.05). The prevalence of overall GDI was 18% (95% CI 11 to 27) and 32% (95% CI 20 to 47) in PHEU and PHIV children respectively (p = 0.06). In subgroup analysis, 22% (95% CI 9 to 42) of early ART PHIV children and 44% (95% CI 23 to 66) of standard ART PHIV children had overall GDI. There was a higher rate of GDI in standard ART PHIV children (p = 0.01), but not in the early ART group (p = 0.62) when compared with PHEU children. The standard ART PHIV group demonstrated lower typical developmental pattern than both the early ART PHIV group and the PHEU group (57% vs. 77% vs. 82% respectively). Non-attendance at nursery school was associated with changes in ELC score during study participation (adjusted coefficient -3.8; 95% CI -6.1 to -1.6, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preschool children with HIV who initiated ART in the first three months of life had a similar rate of GDI as PHEU children. Lack of nursery school attendance predicted poor developmental trajectory outcomes among PHIV children.

An Integrated Approach to HIV Disclosure for HIV-Affected Families in Thailand.

Disclosure of HIV status to family members could improve communication, relationship, and cohesion. We evaluated the impact of a family-centered program designed to increase the readiness/willingness of parents to disclose HIV status to their children. People living with HIV (PLWH) with children ≥8 years were surveyed regarding HIV knowledge, family relationship, attitudes, willingness/readiness to disclose, and they were then invited to participate in group education and family camps. Of 367 PLWH surveyed, 0.8% had disclosed, 14.7% had not yet disclosed but were willing/ready to disclose, 50.4% were willing but not ready, and 33.2% did not wish to disclose. The educational sessions and camps led to significant improvements of HIV knowledge and disclosure techniques, and readiness/willingness to disclose. Given the benefits of group education and family camps in supporting PLWH to improve their communication with their families and disclose their HIV status, these supporting activities should be included in HIV programs.

Safety and immunogenicity of a varicella vaccine without human serum albumin (HSA) versus a HSA-containing formulation administered in the second year of life: a phase III, double-blind, randomized study.

BACKGROUND: A new formulation of the live-attenuated varicella vaccine Varilrix (GSK) produced without human serum albumin (HSA) was developed to minimize a theoretical risk of transmission of infectious diseases. A previous study showed that the vaccine was immunologically non-inferior to the HSA-containing vaccine and well-tolerated in toddlers; low-grade fever was numerically higher in children receiving the vaccine without HSA, but the study lacked power to conclude on this difference. METHODS: In this phase III, double-blind, multi-center study, healthy 12-23-month-olds were randomized (1:1) to receive two doses of the varicella vaccine without (Var-HSA group) or with HSA (Var + HSA group) at days 0 and 42. The primary objective compared safety of the vaccines in terms of incidence of fever > 39.0 °C in the 15-day period post-first vaccination. The objective was considered met if the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for the between-group difference in the incidence of fever > 39.0 °C was ≤5% (Var-HSA group minus Var + HSA group). Safety, reactogenicity and immune responses were evaluated. RESULTS: Six hundred fifteen children in the Var-HSA group and 616 in the Var + HSA group received ≥1 vaccination. Fever > 39.0 °C was reported in 3.9 and 5.2% of participants in the Var-HSA and Var + HSA groups, with a between-group difference of - 1.29 (95% confidence interval: - 3.72-1.08); therefore, the primary objective was achieved. Fever rates post-each dose and the incidence of solicited local and general adverse events (AEs) were comparable between groups. Unsolicited AEs were reported for 43.9 and 36.5% of children in the Var-HSA group and 45.8 and 36.0% of children in the Var + HSA group, during 43 days post-dose 1 and 2, respectively. Serious AEs occurred in 2.1% (group Var-HSA) and 2.4% (group Var + HSA) of children, throughout the study. In a sub-cohort of 364 children, all had anti-varicella-zoster virus antibody concentrations ≥50 mIU/mL post-dose 2; comparable geometric mean concentrations were observed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The varicella vaccine formulated without HSA did not induce higher rates of fever during the 15 day-post-vaccination period, as compared with the original HSA-containing vaccine. The two vaccines displayed similar safety and immunogenicity profiles in toddlers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02570126 , registered on 5 October 2015 (www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Nevirapine Concentrations During the First Month of Life and Maternal Efavirenz Washout in High-Risk HIV-Exposed Infants Receiving Triple Antiretroviral Prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Triple-drug infant antiretroviral prophylaxis containing nevirapine (NVP) is increasingly used to prevent HIV transmission among neonates at high risk of HIV infection. Our aim was to describe NVP concentration from birth through the first month of life. METHODS: High-risk HIV-exposed neonates were enrolled in a prospective cohort in Thailand. High-risk neonates defined as maternal HIV RNA >50 copies/mL before delivery or mother received antiretroviral treatment for <12 weeks before delivery. Neonates received zidovudine (4 mg/kg) and lamivudine (2 mg/kg) twice daily, plus NVP (4 mg/kg) once daily (no lead-in) from birth to 6 weeks of life. Infant plasma samples were collected at 1, 2, 14 or 2, 7, 28 days of life. NVP trough concentrations (C24) were estimated using a population pharmacokinetic model and target C24 was ≥0.1 mg/L. "Washout" efavirenz (EFV) concentrations were assessed in infants whose mother received EFV-based antiretroviral treatment. RESULTS: A total of 48 infants were included: 25 (52%) were male and 12 (25%) were preterm (gestational age 34-37 weeks). Median (interquartile range) predicted NVP C24 were 1.34 mg/L (1.13-1.84), 2.24 (2.00-2.59), 2.78 (2.61-3.12), 2.20 (1.86-2.44) and 0.81 (0.58-0.98) on days 1, 2, 7, 14 and 28 of life, respectively. NVP C24 was not significantly different between term and preterm infants. All infants maintained NVP C24 ≥0.1 mg/L. EFV via placental transfer remained detectable in infants up to 7 days of life. CONCLUSIONS: NVP 4 mg/kg daily from birth provided adequate prophylactic concentrations during the first month of life in high-risk HIV-exposed neonates.

Intensification of antiretroviral treatment with raltegravir for pregnant women living with HIV at high risk of vertical transmission.

Objectives: The rate of vertical HIV transmission for women at high risk of HIV transmission stands at approximately 7.6%. In the present study we describe infant infection rates in women who had received raltegravir (RAL) intensification during pregnancy to a standard three-drug antiretroviral (ART) regimen in Thailand. Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled HIV-1-positive pregnant women at high risk of vertical transmission, as defined by (1) ART initiation at a gestational age (GA) ≥32 weeks or (2) HIV-1 RNA >1000 copies/mL at GA of 32-38 weeks while on ART. Women received a standard three-drug ART regimen with RAL intensification (400 mg twice daily) until delivery and continued on a three-drug ART regimen after delivery. Plasma HIV-1 RNA testing was performed before intensification and at delivery. Infant HIV-1 status was determined using DNA PCR at birth, and at 1, 2 and 4 months of life. Results: Between February 2016 and November 2017, 154 pregnant women on ART were enrolled into the study with a median CD4 cell count and plasma HIV-1 RNA level of 382 cells/mm3 and 4.0 log10 copies/mL, respectively. The three-drug combination consisted of either a lopinavir/ritonavir- (53%) or efavirenz-based (43%) regimen. Median GA at time of RAL initiation was 34 weeks (interquartile range [IQR] 33-36) and median duration was 21 days (IQR 8-34). The proportion of women who had a plasma HIV-1 RNA <50 and <1000 copies/mL at delivery was 45% and 76%, respectively. There were six infants with HIV infection, three in utero and three peripartum. Overall vertical transmission rate was 3.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-8.2). Conclusion: The majority of high-risk pregnant women living with HIV-1 who had received RAL intensification achieved viral suppression at delivery with a relatively low rate of vertical transmission. This intensification strategy represents an option for prevention in HIV-positive women at high risk of vertical transmission.

Persistence of hepatitis B immune memory until 9-10 years of age following hepatitis B vaccination at birth and DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP∼T vaccination at 2, 4 and 6 months.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term persistence of anti-hepatitis B surface (HBs) antibodies and the response to a HB challenge re-vaccination in children who had received a primary series of DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP∼T (Hexaxim™) or DTaP-IPV-HB/PRP∼T (Infanrix hexa™). METHODS: Two cohorts of participants who had previously received HB vaccine at birth followed by either DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP∼T or DTaP-IPV-HB/PRP∼T co-administered with PCV7 at 2, 4, 6 months of age in a randomized, Phase III, observer-blind study in Thailand, were followed up for anti-HBs antibodies (geometric mean concentrations [GMCs] and seroprotection [SP] rate [% of participants with a titer ≥10 mIU/mL]) at 12-18 months of age and 9-10 years of age. A monovalent HB challenge re-vaccination was administered at 9-10 years of age and the anamnestic response was evaluated. RESULTS: Anti-HBs GMCs and SP rates in the DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP∼T and DTaP-IPV-HB/PRP∼T groups were high and similar post-primary vaccination series (2477 mIU/mL and 99.5% and 2442 mIU/mL and 99.5%, respectively) and declined to a similar extent in each group at 12-18 months (154.5 mIU/mL and 90.8% and 162.3 mIU/mL and 96.5%, respectively). Antibody levels further declined at 9-10 years of age (13.3 mIU/mL and 49.3% and 8.0 mIU/mL and 42.9%) and a strong anamnestic response occurred in each group post-HB challenge re-vaccination (92.8% and 98.7%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The kinetics of long-term anti-HBs antibody persistence were similar following a primary series of DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP∼T or DTaP-IPV-HB/PRP∼T. The response to a subsequent HB challenge re-vaccination was strong and similar in each group, demonstrating persisting immune memory.

Pharmacokinetics of rilpivirine and 24-week outcomes after switching from efavirenz in virologically suppressed HIV-1-infected adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Rilpivirine (RPV), a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor drug, could be a favourable drug for maintenance therapy in HIV-infected adolescents because it has few long-term side effects. However, data among adolescents switching from efavirenz (EFV) to RPV are limited. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and efficacy of RPV in virologically suppressed HIV-1-infected adolescents after switching from EFV. METHODS: Adolescents aged 12-18 years on EFV-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) were switched from EFV to RPV (25 mg, once daily). Intensive 24-h blood samplings at 0 (pre-dose), 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12 and 24 h were performed 4 weeks after switching. PK parameters were calculated using a non-compartmental method and compared with published data from the PAINT and pooled ECHO/THRIVE substudies. HIV RNA level was measured at weeks 12 and 24. Biochemical profiles were measured at baseline and week 24. RESULTS: From January to June 2016, 20 adolescents (12 male) were enrolled. Median (IQR) age was 16 (15-17) years and weight was 49 (42-59) kg. Mean (sd) AUC24 h, C24 h and Cmax of RPV were 2,041 (745) ng•h/ml, 69 (29) ng/ml and 143 (65) ng/ml, respectively. Median (IQR) Tmax was 5 (2-9) h. Four adolescents had C24 h <40 ng/ml. All PK parameters were comparable with published data. All adolescents remained virologically suppressed at week 24. Significant decreases in fasting total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein were observed (P-value <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Virologically suppressed HIV-infected adolescents had adequate RPV exposure and remained virologically suppressed after switching from EFV. RPV can be used as long-term maintenance ART in HIV-infected adolescents.

Post-licensure, phase IV, safety study of a live attenuated Japanese encephalitis recombinant vaccine in children in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral disease endemic in most countries in Asia. A recombinant live, attenuated Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine, JE-CV, is licensed in 14 countries, including Thailand, for the prevention of Japanese encephalitis in adults and children. METHODS: This was a prospective, phase IV, open-label, multicentre, safety study of JE-CV conducted from November 2013 to April 2015, to evaluate rare serious adverse events (AEs). JE-CV was administered to 10,000 healthy children aged 9months to <5years in Thailand as a primary (Group 1) or booster (Group 2) vaccination. Serious AEs (SAEs), including AEs of special interest, up to 60days after administration were evaluated. Immediate Grade 3 systemic AEs up to 30min after JE-CV administration were also described. RESULTS: The median age of participants was 1.1years in Group 1 and 3.8years in Group 2. SAEs were reported in 204 (3.0%) participants in Group 1 and 59 (1.9%) participants in Group 2. Among a total of 294 SAEs in 263 participants, only three events occurring in two participants were considered related to vaccination. All three cases were moderate urticaria, none of which met the definition of AEs of special interest for hypersensitivity. AEs of special interest were reported in 28 (0.4%) participants in Group 1 and 4 (0.1%) participants in Group 2; none were considered related to vaccination. Febrile convulsion was the most frequently reported AE of special interest: 25 (0.4%) participants in Group 1; and 2 (<0.1%) in Group 2. There were no cases of Japanese encephalitis reported. No Grade 3 immediate systemic AEs were reported after any JE-CV vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Our study did not identify any new safety concerns with JE-CV and confirms its good safety profile. This study was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01981967; Universal Trial Number: U1111-1127-7052).

Persistence of Wild-Type Japanese Encephalitis Virus Strains Cross-Neutralization 5 Years After JE-CV Immunization.

BACKGROUND: The live-attenuated Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine (JE-CV; IMOJEV) induces a protective response in children. A shift in circulating JE virus strains suggests that a genotype shift phenomenon may occur throughout Southeast Asia. We assessed the neutralization of wild-type (WT) JE virus isolates at distal time points after vaccination. METHODS: We analyzed serum samples from a subset of 47 children who had received a JE-CV booster after an inactivated JE vaccine primary immunization. We measured antibody titers (50% plaque reduction neutralization test) using a panel of WT JE strains at baseline, then after the booster at 28 days and 6 months in all subjects present at the time points and in a subset at year 5. Three additional recent isolates were tested at year 5. RESULTS: Of 47 subjects, 43 (91.5%) subjects had JE neutralizing antibody titers ≥10 (reciprocal serum dilution) against the homologous strain before JE-CV boost; all were seroprotected up to year 5 after the JE-CV boost. Baseline WT seroprotection ranged between 78.7% and 87.2%; all subjects were seroprotected against the 4 WT strains at 28 days and 6 months; year 5 seroprotection ranged between 95.7% and 97.9%. Similar rates of protection against 3 additional WT isolates were observed at year 5. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term immune responses induced after a JE-CV booster dose in toddlers were able to neutralize WT viruses from various genotypes circulating in Southeast Asia and India. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT00621764.

Long-term Immunogenicity of a Single Dose of Japanese Encephalitis Chimeric Virus Vaccine in Toddlers and Booster Response 5 Years After Primary Immunization.

BACKGROUND: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is an important mosquito-borne viral disease that is endemic in Asia, Western Pacific countries and Northern Australia. Although there is no antiviral treatment, vaccination is effective in preventing this disease. METHODS: We followed a cohort of 596 children for 5 years after primary vaccination at 12-18 months of age with JE chimeric virus vaccine (JE-CV; IMOJEV) in a multicenter, phase III trial in Thailand and the Philippines to assess antibody persistence and safety. At the end of the 5 years, a subgroup of 85 participants, at 1 site in Thailand, was followed after administration of a JE-CV booster vaccination. JE antibody titers were measured annually after primary vaccination and 28 days after booster vaccination using a 50% plaque reduction neutralization test. Seroprotection was defined as a JE-CV neutralizing antibody titer ≥10 (1/dil). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate the proportion of participants maintaining protective JE-CV neutralizing antibody titers. RESULTS: At 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years after vaccination with JE-CV, 88.5%, 82.9%, 78.2%, 74.0% and 68.6% of the participants followed remained seroprotected. Geometric mean titers in the subgroup assessed after receipt of a booster dose increased from 61.2 (95% confidence interval: 43.8-85.7) pre-booster to 4951 (95% confidence interval: 3928-6241) 28 days post-booster, with all participants seroprotected. There were no safety concerns identified. CONCLUSIONS: Protective immune responses persisted for at least 5 years after a JE-CV primary immunization in the majority of participants. JE-CV booster induced a robust immune response even after a 5-year interval.