Herpes zoster vaccination in SLE: a pilot study of immunogenicity.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ). Although a vaccine for HZ has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, its use in immunocompromised individuals remains controversial because it is a live-attenuated virus vaccine. We performed a pilot study of the immunogenicity of the HZ vaccine (Zostavax) in patients with SLE.

Methods

Ten patients with SLE and 10 control subjects ≥ age 50 years participated in this open-label vaccination study. All were seropositive for varicella zoster virus (VZV). Patients with SLE were excluded for SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) > 4, or use of mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide, biologics, or > 10 mg prednisone daily. Followup visits occurred at 2, 6, and 12 we

SUBMITTER: Guthridge JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3867792 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature