| [ Summary ] |
We conducted immunizations with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) on 38 patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) in our hospital in the 2002 winter season. The only adverse effects observed from PPV were prolonged rhinitis. In the first winter season, 3 patients suffered from pneumonia, but, no Pneumococcus was detected. Their basal conditions, such as diabetes, bronchial asthma and gastric cancer were thought to affect the occurrence of pneumonia. After 3 winter seasons, 8 pneumonia or upper respiratory tract infection cases were observed in the 27 patients who still were undergoing HD in our hospital. Of the 8 cases, 2 pneumococcal infection cases were confirmed. Because reimmunization for PPV is not allowed in Japan at this time, we should carefully consider our actions in relation to PPV immunization of HD patients. Thus, sufficient informed consent should be provided for HD patients before immunization. |