Dataset Information

COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases Leads to a High Seroconversion Rate and Reduced Self-Imposed Isolation and Shielding Behavior.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

We investigated the effect of a two-dose mRNA vaccine on antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 and patient behavior and shielding concerning fear of COVID-19 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

Three-hundred-and-three patients and 44 blood donors were included. All patients received two doses of an mRNA vaccine and had total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 measured before vaccination and 2 and 9 weeks after the second vaccination. Further, patients answered an electronic questionnaire before and after vaccination concerning behavior, anxiety, and symptoms of depression (PHQ-9).

Results

Significantly fewer patients (90%) had measurable antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 compared to blood donors (100%) after the second vaccination (p<0.001). Treatment with rituximab was the strongest predictor of an unfavorable vaccine response, as only 27% had measurable antibodies. Nearly all patients (97%) not treated with rituximab experienced seroconversion. Prednisone and methotrexate had a negative effect on seroconversion, but no effect of age or comorbidity was observed. Patients experienced significant improvement after vaccination in 10 out of 12 questions regarding behavior and fear of COVID-19, while no change in PHQ-9 or anxiety was observed.

Conclusion

We find a very high seroconversion rate among rheumatic patients, and reduced self-imposed isolation and shielding after COVID-19 vaccination.

SUBMITTER: Ammitzboll C

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9384499 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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COVID-19 vaccination in patients with rheumatic diseases leads to a high seroconversion rate and reduced self-imposed isolation and shielding behaviour.

Ammitzbøll Christian C Thomsen Marianne Kragh MK Andersen Jakob Bøgh JB Bartels Lars Erik LE Hermansen Marie-Louise From MF Johannsen Anders Dahl AD Mistegaard Clara Elbæk CE Mikkelsen Susan S Vils Signe Risbøl SR Erikstrup Christian C Hauge Ellen-Margrethe EM Troldborg Anne A

Modern rheumatology 20230701 4

<h4>Objectives</h4>We investigated the effect of a two-dose messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine on antibody levels against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and patient behaviour and shielding concerning fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis.<h4>Methods</h4>Three hundred and three patients and 44 blood donors were included. All patients received two doses of an mRNA vaccine and had total ...[more]

PMID: 35860843

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