ABSTRACT
Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are commonly treated with immunosuppressive agents. Following the novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, these patients received early the currently EMA approved vaccines. Data on efficacy and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on this population are lacking. Methods: Greek IBD patients, from 10 tertiary referral centres, who had completed the initial vaccination protocol with the available anti-COVID-19 vaccines (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, Ad26.CoV2.S, ChAdOx1) at least two weeks before enrolment, were prospectively studied. Demographic and safety data were collected and blood samples were drawn for serum Anti-S1 IgG measurement [Euroimmun Anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac ELISA (IgG)]. Results: In total 403 IBD patients (59% Crohn's disease, median age 45 years, 53% male) and 124 healthy controls (HC) were included (Table 1). Antibody testing was conducted after a median of 31 (IQR, 23-46) days post-vaccination. Following a full vaccination regimen, 98% of IBD patients seroconverted (anti-S1 IgG³11 RU/ml). In total, IBD patients had lower anti-S1 levels than HC (RU/ ml 108 vs 133 RU/ml, P=0.00009) Administration of mRNA vaccines resulted in higher seroconversion rates and higher antibody titers than viral vector ones (98.6% vs 93.6%, P= 0.02 and 111.2 RU/ml vs 76 RU/ml, P<0.0001, respectively). Treatment with vedolizumab monotherapy was associated with higher antibody levels than anti-TNFα or ustekinumab monotherapy (P=0.02 and P=0.03). Longer timing between vaccination and antibody measurement was independently associated with impaired vaccine response. In multivariable analysis, specifically in mRNA-vaccinated cohort, older age, anti-TNFα treatment and treatment with biologics plus IMMs were significantly associated with lower antibody response (P=0.01, P=0.008, and P=0.02 respectively). Patients with prior COVID-19 infection showed numerically higher levels of antibodies. All vaccines were safe in IBD patients. Conclusions: Patients with IBD have high seroconversion rates to anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. However, they demonstrate impaired antibody responses compared to HC. Patients receiving viral vector vaccines, and those on anti-TNFα or combination treatment may have further response impairment and it is important to consider booster vaccination in those low-response groups. (Table Presented)
ABSTRACT
Background: The novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak was declared as a pandemic in March 2020;this prompted the need for rapid vaccine development. Currently four EMA approved vaccines exist but their efficacy and safety data on patients with Inflammatory Bowel diseases are limited. Methods: Greek IBD patients, from 10 tertiary referral centres, who had completed the initial vaccination protocol with the available anti-COVID-19 vaccines at least two weeks before enrolment, were prospectively studied. Demographic and safety data were collected and blood samples were drawn for serum Anti-S1 IgG measurement [Euroimmun Anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac ELISA (IgG)]. Results: In total 403 IBD patients (59% Crohn's disease, median age 45 years, 53% male) and 124 healthy controls (HC) were included (Table 1). Antibody testing was conducted after a median of 31 (IQR, 23-46) days post-vaccination. Following a full vaccination regimen, 98% of IBD patients seroconverted (anti-S1 IgG≥11 RU/ ml). Administration of mRNA vaccines resulted in higher seroconversion rates and higher antibody titers than viral vector ones (98.6% vs 93.6%, P=0.02 and 111.2 RU/ml vs 76 RU/ml, P<0.0001, respectively). In total, IBD patients had lower anti-S1 levels than HC (RU/ ml 108 vs 133 RU/ml, P=0.00009). IBD patients without immunosuppression had higher antibody titers than immunocompromised patients (P=0.012). In univariable analysis, older age, longer time since vaccination, and treatment with corticosteroids, immunomodulators, anti-TNFα or combination therapy were associated with lower anti- S1 titers. In contrast, higher anti-S1 levels were detected in patients on vedolizumab monotherapy or non-immunosuppressive treatment. In multivariable analysis, only age, time since vaccination, and anti- TNFα therapy remained significant (P=0.011, P=0.002, and P=0.013 respectively). Treatment with vedolizumab monotherapy was associated with higher antibody levels than anti-TNFα or ustekinumab monotherapy (P=0.023 and P=0.032). Patients with prior COVID-19 infection showed numerically higher levels of Abs. All vaccines were safe in IBD patients. Conclusion: Patients with IBD have high seroconversion rates to anti- SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, with mRNA vaccines being more efficacious. However, IBD patients have impaired response to vaccination comparing to HC. Lower antibody responses were observed in patients who received viral vector vaccines, in older patients, and in those on anti- TNFα treatment. It is important to consider booster vaccination in those low-response groups.
ABSTRACT
Europe is severely affected from Covid-19 pandemic with an exponential increase in incident infections and deaths. The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 can be subtle, encompassing a broad spectrum from asymptomatic mild disease to severe respiratory illness. Health care professionals in endoscopy units are at increased risk of infection from COVID-19. Infection prevention and control has been shown to be dramatically effective in assuring the safety of both health care professionals and patients. The prolonged lockdown period across Europe resulted in the cancellation of elective GI endoscopies as only urgent endoscopies were performed. The aim of this present Position Statement is to provide up-dated evidence-based guidance on endoscopy practice for the lockdown and the post-lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.