Safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations in patients with allergic diseases.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the degree of safety and possible risk of acute allergic reactions following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination among a group of patients predisposed to allergic diseases. Study design: The study survey took place between May 2021 and February 2022. Each participant completed an initial pre-vaccination questionnaire during patient eligibility assessment for vaccination, and two subsequent questionnaires were completed approximately 21 days after the first and second doses of vaccination. Methods: The study included 52 patients aged >18 years. Participants were a select group of patients who, due to a history of severe allergic disease, were not eligible for vaccination at the COVID-19 Vaccination Points available in Poland. Results: None of the patients developed serious allergic complications in the form of anaphylaxis. There were no statistically significant differences between the first vaccination and the second vaccination in terms of symptoms, the time of onset and duration. The age of the participants did not correlate statistically with the occurrence of symptoms following the first or second vaccination. Conclusions: Based on the study results, it can be concluded that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines show a favourable safety profile for patients with a history of allergic disease and constitute the optimal strategy for fighting the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The study results support the recommendation of COVID-19 vaccinations for people predisposed to allergic diseases due to the clear benefits of vaccination over the possible risk of adverse events.

Assessment of the post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination response depending on the epidemiological status, demographic parameters and levels of selected cytokines in medical personnel.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for causing the COVID-19 disease, which affected 174 million people worldwide. After vaccines were launched, the focus was on their effectiveness and the degree of their safety. Aim: The authors try to find factors that may affect the response to vaccination. Material and methods: The study was conducted in 47 adults (39 women and 8 men; age: 47.3 ±11.2). Participants were vaccinated with two doses of the Comirnaty mRNA vaccine. Each patient had a medical history taken and the concentration of specific sIgG antibodies against S1 protein and SARS-CoV-2 N protein, as well as of selected cytokines (IL-8, TGF-ß, IFN-γ) was determined before and 3 weeks after the first and second dose of the vaccine. Results: There were 18 convalescents among the respondents. A statistically significant increase in the concentration of specific sIgG S1 in subsequent determinations was observed. Higher levels of sIgG S1 were found after the first dose of the vaccine in COVID-19 convalescents. There was no statistically significant influence of age, body mass index and sex on the increase in the concentration of antibodies and the concentration of the determined cytokines. It was shown that the higher the initial TGF-ß concentration, the greater the increase in sIgG S1 after administration of the vaccine. Conclusions: Vaccination did not increase the levels of IL-8, IFN-ß and TGF-γ. A higher concentration of serum TGF-ß before vaccination correlated with the higher concentration of sIgG S1 antibodies after the first dose of the vaccine.

Protocols of Standard of Care for Adult Patients with Primary Antibody Deficiencies Will Improve Timing of Diagnosis, Survival, and Quality of Life.

The majority of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are antibody deficiencies (PADs), and not all of them are rare diseases; As an example, Caucasian individuals suffer from selective IgA deficiency at a frequency of 1:500. In addition to infections, symptomatic patients with PAD are more likely to develop neoplastic, autoimmune, and allergic diseases. In the event that PAD is neglected or delayed for more than ten years, complications develop, eventually resulting in death. No studies have been conducted to devise and report detailed ready-to-use protocols for managing PAD to date. This study aimed to propose protocols and guidelines for the adult PAD patients' standard care. Preparing the protocol, we considered the frequency and type of laboratory tests, imaging, endoscopic examinations, specialist consultations, and standardized recommendations for further care in the place of residence.  As a result of the proposed monitoring scheme, patients can be provided with complete care in terms of their underlying conditions and comorbidities, as well as early detection of complications. This protocol will serve as a guide for physicians dealing with these patients and enable comparisons of patient groups across a variety of treatment centers, even far away from each other. A national consultant in the field of clinical immunology verified the protocol mainly developed by Polish experts from reference immunology centres for adults.

A multicenter survey on the aspects of everyday life in adult patients with primary antibody deficiencies treated with immunoglobulin G replacement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of everyday life. Patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID) are in a particularly difficult situation. The purpose of the present study was to contribute to the very limited research on the everyday aspects of functioning in PID patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The survey included 85 adult PID patients treated with immunoglobulin replacement therapy in four reference centers for immunology. Everyday functioning of the patients as well as their opinion concerning new solutions in medical care were analyzed. RESULTS: During the pandemic, the percentage of patients experiencing fear/anxiety has increased from 47% to 70%. The wide dissemination of information about the SARS-CoV-2 in the media has increased anxiety in 40% of the patients. Patients diagnosed with PID were most afraid of the exposure to contact with strangers, especially in public places. As many as 67 respondents (79%) considered the introduction of restrictions concerning social functioning as good. Only every fifth person learned about the pandemic from reliable sources. Eighty three percent of the patients receiving immunoglobulin substitution experienced less fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patients positively evaluated the solutions related to the direct delivery of drugs to the place of residence in order to continue home IgRT therapy. Fifty three respondents (62.5%) believed that the possibility of a remote consultation was a very good solution. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to increase educational activities concerning the pandemic provided by health care professionals, as patients obtain information mainly from the media and the Internet, which adversely affects the feeling of anxiety. The pandemic, in addition to the very negative impact on patients and the deterioration of their daily functioning, has made patients appreciate their life more, devote more time to family and friends, and do things they like.