Sputnik V vaccine-related complications and its impression on inflammatory biomarkers in healthcare providers

Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on lower urinary tract (LUTS) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients

Purpose

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in men that can impact quality of life, especially in older age. BPH is nonmalignant prostate enlargement associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Various factors like aging, hormonal imbalance, and inflammation contribute to BPH, with androgen dysregulation playing a key role. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic raised concerns about vaccine side effects, particularly in BPH patients experiencing LUTS. Research is ongoing to understand the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on LUTS in BPH patients.

Materials and Methods

This prospective longitudinal study conducted at Sina Hospital in Tehran, Iran, from September 2022 to March 2023 enrolled 106 BPH patients receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Ultrasonography, total and free prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, and urine analysis were performed, and International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaires were completed before the vaccination. Vaccines included Oxford University/AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, or Sputnik-V, with booster doses administered per manufacturer protocol. Three months post-booster shot, patients were re-evaluated with the same questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS software.

Results

Out of 3,591 individuals receiving COVID-19 vaccine, 106 were eligible for analysis. The mean ± standard deviation age on vaccination day was 65.4±11.74 years. Individuals receiving COVID-19 vaccines found no significant changes in PSA levels or prostate volume post-vaccination. Among urinary symptoms, urgency, dysuria, frequency, and hematuria rates increased significantly (p-value<0.05). Other symptoms showed no statistical differences.

Conclusion

Our findings elucidate that urgency, dysuria, frequency, and hematuria may be exacerbated after COVID-19 vaccination in BPH patients.

Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma following COVID-19 vaccination: a case report

Introduction

COVID-19 vaccination side effects are rare but important medical situations. Spine-affecting side effects are amongst the rarest, but exceedingly important. Haemorrhagic spinal manifestations of COVID-19 and its vaccines are less reported with little knowledge about them.

Case presentation

An 80-year-old male who received his first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine had developed COVID-19 pneumonia, weakness, and sensory problems in his legs followed by sphincter incontinence within 5 days period. MRI showed a spontaneous epidural spinal epidural haematoma (SSEDH) in T10-L1. He underwent laminectomy and haematoma evacuation. One month follow-up showed no clinical improvement.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this was the first post-vaccination SSEDH and second in haemorrhagic spinal complications following COVID-19 vaccination. Considering the neuropathogenesis pathway of COVID-19 and its vaccines, there are common mechanisms of action that could potentially justify post-vaccination SSEDH such as seen in COVID-19 infection, itself. Early Neurosurgical intervention and better preoperative neurological status could be a beneficial modifier for favourable clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

SSEDH and COVID-19 vaccine coincidence is a rare clinical event, still no solid association could be scientifically explained. Further studies are required for a reliable pathophysiologic association. Early diagnosis, interdisciplinary medical approach, and faster intervention are the cornerstone of the treatment paradigm.