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A Norwegian study of immune responses to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in patients using immunosuppressive medication within rheumatology: The Nor-vaC study
Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology ; 50(SUPPL 130):37-38, 2021.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1447446
ABSTRACT

Objectives:

To assess the strength and duration of the immunological response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in patients treated with immunosuppressive medication for inflammatory arthritis.

Methods:

Adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) on treatment with any biological, conventional synthetic, or targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (bDMARD, csDMARD, or tsDMARD) or prednisolone in doses above 7.5 mg/day are eligible for inclusion in the Nor-vaC observational study. Exclusion criteria are allergy and/or intolerance to elements of the COVID-19 vaccines. Cohorts of healthy controls have also been established, recruiting healthcare workers at Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Akershus University Hospital, and Oslo University Hospital. Serum samples are obtained from all participants before the first vaccine dose and 1-4 weeks after full vaccination. Samples are analysed for antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) using Microsphere Affinity Proteomics (MAP) (1). Demographic data and data regarding immunosuppressive medication and adverse events related to vaccination are recorded. Information regarding vaccination status, and potential COVID-19 testing and disease are obtained from relevant registers. To further elucidate the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines, we also plan to evaluate the T-cell response in a subgroup of vaccinated patients. Serum samples are planned to be collected for assessment every 3-6 months during the study period of 5 years.

Results:

From 15 February to 6 April 2021, 1735 patients were enrolled in the study, with at least one serum sample obtained from 892;and 130 participants have also provided samples for T-cell analyses. The distribution of diagnoses and medication is shown in Table PP25. Study recruitment, and serological and cellular analyses are currently ongoing, with the first results expected in early autumn 2021.

Conclusions:

Arthritis patients on long-term immunosuppressive medication may be at risk for a reduced vaccine response. Determining how robust is their immune response, and how long-lasting, will be crucial in decision making with regard to adjustments in medication and to assess a possible need for revaccination. This question is of urgent importance to Norwegian patients as well as for the global population.

Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Topics: Vaccines Language: English Journal: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology Year: 2021 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Topics: Vaccines Language: English Journal: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology Year: 2021 Document Type: Article