Flu vaccination with a virosomal vaccine does not affect clinical course and immunological parameters in scleroderma patients

Recommendations for prevention of infection in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases

OBJECTIVES

To develop recommendations for the prevention of infection in adult patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD).

METHODS

Clinical research questions relevant to the objective of the document were identified by a panel of experts selected based on their experience in the field. Systematic reviews of the available evidence were conducted, and evidence was graded according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. Specific recommendations were made.

RESULTS

Five questions were selected, referring to prevention of infection by Pneumocystis jirovecii with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, primary and secondary prophylactic measures against hepatitis B virus, vaccination against human papillomavirus, vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae and vaccination against influenza virus, making a total of 18 recommendations, structured by question, based on the evidence found for the different SARD and/or expert consensus.

CONCLUSIONS

There is enough evidence on the safety and efficacy of vaccinations and other prophylactic measures against the microorganisms reviewed in this document to specifically recommend them for patients with SARD.

Current Take on Systemic Sclerosis Patients' Vaccination Recommendations

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease. The prevalence of SSc ranges from 7 to 700 cases per million worldwide. Due to multiple organ involvement and constant inflammatory state, this group of patients presents an increased risk of infectious diseases. This paper aimed to gather the up-to-date evidence on vaccination strategies for patients with SSc and to be a useful tool for the prevention and management of infectious diseases. The authors conducted a scoping review in which each paragraph presents data on a specific vaccine’s safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy. The work deals with the following topics: SARS-CoV-2, seasonal influenza, S. pneumoniae, HAV, HBV, HZV, N. meningitidis, H. influenzae, HPV, and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis.

Flu and Pneumococcal Vaccine Coverage in Scleroderma Patients Still Need to Be Prompted: A Systematic Review

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by excessive production of collagen and multiorgan involvement. Scleroderma patients are at increased risk of influenza complications and pneumonia; thus, vaccinations are recommended. This systematic review evaluated the influenza and pneumococcus vaccination coverage for SSc patients. We included all studies from Pubmed reporting on influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rate in Scleroderma patients up to May 2021. The 14 studies thus selected identified a suboptimal vaccination rate in autoimmune and SSc patients, ranging from 28 to 59% for the flu vaccine, and from 11 to 58% for the pneumo vaccine in absence of specific vaccination campaigns, variously considering also other variables such as age, gender, vaccination settings, and possible vaccination campaigns. We also considered the reasons for low coverage and the approaches that might increase the vaccination rates. A lack of knowledge about the importance of vaccination in these patients and their doctors underlined the need to increase the awareness for vaccination in this patients' category. Current guidelines recommend vaccination in elderly people and people affected by particular conditions that widely overlap with SSc, yet autoimmune diseases are not always clearly mentioned. Improving this suboptimal vaccination rate with clear guidelines is crucial for SSc patients and for clinicians to immunize these categories based principally on the pathology, prior to the age. Recommendations by the immunologist and the direct link to the vaccine providers can highly improve the vaccine coverage.

Recommendations for prevention of infection in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases

OBJECTIVES

To develop recommendations for the prevention of infection in adult patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD).

METHODS

Clinical research questions relevant to the objective of the document were identified by a panel of experts selected based on their experience in the field. Systematic reviews of the available evidence were conducted, and evidence was graded according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. Specific recommendations were made.

RESULTS

Five questions were selected, referring to prevention of infection by Pneumocystis jirovecii with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, primary and secondary prophylactic measures against hepatitis B virus, vaccination against human papillomavirus, vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae and vaccination against influenza virus, making a total of 18 recommendations, structured by question, based on the evidence found for the different SARD and/or expert consensus.

CONCLUSIONS

There is enough evidence on the safety and efficacy of vaccinations and other prophylactic measures against the microorganisms reviewed in this document to specifically recommend them for patients with SARD.

Increased influenza vaccination rates in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases during the Covid-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

To assess non-compliance and potential changes in seasonal flu vaccination coverage before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs). Consecutive patients with ARDs followed-up in 2 tertiary hospitals were telephone-interviewed (December 12–30, 2020) regarding seasonal flu vaccination during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 time periods. Self-reported disease flares that occurred after flu vaccination, as well as reasons for non-vaccination were recorded. One thousand fifteen patients were included. The rate of flu vaccination increased from 76% before to 83% during the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.0001). The rate of self-reported disease flares was < 1% among vaccinated patients. Reasons for not vaccination in both periods, respectively, included: ‘was not recommended by their rheumatologists’ (35.0vs.12.2%, p < 0.0001), ‘did not feel that they would have any benefit’ (36.9 vs. 32.6%), felt unsafe to do so (27.5 vs. 30.2%), or other reasons (18.9 vs. 23.8%). By multivariate analysis, age [OR = 1.03 (95% CI 1.02–1.04)] vs. [1.04 (95% CI 1.02–1.05)] and treatment with biologics [OR = 1.66 (95% CI 1.22–2.24) vs. [1.68 (95% CI 1.19–2.38)] were independent factors associated with vaccination in both periods. These findings, although are temporally encouraging, emphasize the need for continuous campaigns aiming at increasing patients’ and physicians’ awareness about the benefits of vaccination.

The Practice Guideline for Vaccinating Korean Patients with Autoimmune Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease

To develop a clinical practice guideline for vaccination in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease (AIIRD), the Korean College of Rheumatology and the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases developed a clinical practice guideline according to the clinical practice guideline development manual. Since vaccination is unlikely to cause AIIRD or worsen disease activities, required vaccinations are recommended. Once patients are diagnosed with AIIRD, treatment strategies should be established and, at the same time, monitor their vaccination history. It is recommended to administer vaccines when the disease enters the stabilized stage. Administering live attenuated vaccines in patients with AIIRD who are taking immunosuppressants should be avoided. Vaccination should be considered in patients with AIIRD, prior to initiating immunosuppressants. It is recommended to administer influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, herpes zoster, measles-mumps-rubella virus, human papillomavirus, and tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis vaccines in patients with AIIRD; such patients who planned to travel are generally recommended to be vaccinated at the recommended vaccine level of healthy adults. Those who live in a household with patients with AIIRD and their caregivers should also be vaccinated at levels that are generally recommended for healthy adults.

Efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases: a systematic literature review for the 2019 update of EULAR recommendations

Aim

To present a systematic literature review (SLR) on efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD), aiming to provide a basis for updating the EULAR evidence-based recommendations.

Methods

An SLR was performed according to the standard operating procedures for EULAR-endorsed recommendations. Outcome was determined by efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of vaccination in adult patients with AIIRD, including those receiving immunomodulating therapy. Furthermore, a search was performed on the effect of vaccinating household members of patients with AIIRD on the occurrence of vaccine-preventable infections in patients and their household members (including newborns). The literature search was performed using Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library (October 2009 to August 2018).

Results

While most investigated vaccines were efficacious and/or immunogenic in patients with AIIRD, some were less efficacious than in healthy control subjects, and/or in patients receiving immunosuppressive agents. Adverse events of vaccination were generally mild and the rates were comparable to those in healthy persons. Vaccination did not seem to lead to an increase in activity of the underlying AIIRD, but insufficient power of most studies precluded arriving at definite conclusions. The number of studies investigating clinical efficacy of vaccination is still limited. No studies on the effect of vaccinating household members of patients with AIIRD were retrieved.

Conclusion

Evidence on efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of vaccination in patients with AIIRD was systematically reviewed to provide a basis for updated recommendations.

2019 update of EULAR recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases

To update the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) published in 2011. Four systematic literature reviews were performed regarding the incidence/prevalence of vaccine-preventable infections among patients with AIIRD; efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of vaccines; effect of anti-rheumatic drugs on the response to vaccines; effect of vaccination of household of AIIRDs patients. Subsequently, recommendations were formulated based on the evidence and expert opinion. The updated recommendations comprise six overarching principles and nine recommendations. The former address the need for an annual vaccination status assessment, shared decision-making and timing of vaccination, favouring vaccination during quiescent disease, preferably prior to the initiation of immunosuppression. Non-live vaccines can be safely provided to AIIRD patients regardless of underlying therapy, whereas live-attenuated vaccines may be considered with caution. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination should be strongly considered for the majority of patients with AIIRD. Tetanus toxoid and human papilloma virus vaccination should be provided to AIIRD patients as recommended for the general population. Hepatitis A, hepatitis B and herpes zoster vaccination should be administered to AIIRD patients at risk. Immunocompetent household members of patients with AIIRD should receive vaccines according to national guidelines, except for the oral poliomyelitis vaccine. Live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided during the first 6 months of life in newborns of mothers treated with biologics during the second half of pregnancy. These 2019 EULAR recommendations provide an up-to-date guidance on the management of vaccinations in patients with AIIRD.

Pandemic non-adjuvanted influenza A H1N1 vaccine in a cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis

Objective

To assess the possible effect of therapy, disease subtype and severity on H1N1 immunogenicity in patients with SSc.

Methods

Ninety-two patients and 92 age- and gender-matched healthy controls received adjuvant-free influenza A/California/7/2009 (pH1N1) vaccine. Blood samples were collected immediately before and 3 weeks after vaccination to evaluate antibody responses to the H1N1 virus. Efficacy was assessed by seroprotection (SP) and seroconversion (SC) rates and the factor increase in geometric mean antibody titre. Participants received a 21-day symptom diary card and were instructed to report local and systemic adverse events.

Results

SSc patients were predominantly females (91%) and 61% had limited SSc, 12% had severe skin involvement and 57.6% were on immunosuppressive (IS) therapy. SSc patients and controls presented comparable overall SP (P = 0.20) and SC (P = 0.61) rates. Further evaluation of the possible effect of disease and therapy revealed similar rates of SP and SC in patients with dcSSc vs lcSSc (SP P = 0.62 and SC P = 0.66), severe vs mild/moderate skin involvement (SP P = 1 and SC P = 0.45) and with vs without IS (SP P = 0.26 and SC P = 0.10). The frequency of mild local and minor systemic reactions was similar in patients with dcSSC vs lcSSc (P = 0.70 vs 0.32) and in those with and without severe skin involvement (P = 0.59 vs 0.28).

Conclusion

The non-adjuvanted influenza H1N1 virus vaccine proved to be safe and effective, independent of SSc clinical subtype, disease severity or therapy. These latter factors do not seem to contribute to mild adverse events observed in SSc. Our data support the annual influenza vaccination recommendation for these patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (http://clinicaltrials.gov), NCT01151644.

Immunogenicity, safety and tolerability of inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine in overweight and obese children

Obesity may be a risk factor for increased hospitalization and deaths from infections due to respiratory pathogens. Additionally, obese patients appear to have impaired immunity after some vaccinations. To evaluate the immunogenicity, safety and tolerability of an inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) in overweight and obese children, 28 overweight/obese pediatric patients and 23 healthy normal weight controls aged 3-14 years received a dose of TIV. Four weeks after vaccine administration, significantly higher seroprotection rates against the A/H1N1 strain were observed among overweight/obese children compared with normal weight controls (p<0.05). Four months after vaccination, similar or slightly higher seroconversion and seroprotection rates against the A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains were detected in overweight/obese than in normal weight children, whereas significantly higher rates of seroconversion and seroprotection against the B strain were found in overweight/obese patients than in normal weight controls (p<0.05 for seroconversion and seroprotection). Geometric mean titers (GMTs) and fold increase against B strains were significantly higher in overweight/obese patients than in normal weight controls 4 months after vaccine administration (p<0.01 for GMT values and p<0.05 for fold increase). The frequency of local and systemic reactions was similar between the groups, and there were no serious adverse events. The results of this study indicate that in overweight and obese children, antibody response to TIV administration is similar or slightly higher than that evidenced in normal weight subjects of similar age and this situation persists for at least 4 months after vaccine administration in the presence of a favorable safety profile.

Role of vaccinations and prophylaxis in rheumatic diseases

Targeted strategies for reducing the increased risk of infection in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases include vaccinations as well as antibiotic prophylaxis in selected patients. However, there are still issues under debate: Is vaccination in patients with rheumatic diseases immunogenic? Is it safe? What is the impact of immunosuppressive drugs on vaccine immunogenicity and safety? Does vaccination cause disease flares? In which cases is prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii required? This review addresses these important questions to which clinicians and researchers still do not have definite answers. The first part includes immunization recommendations and reviews current data on vaccine efficacy and safety in patients with rheumatic diseases. The second part discusses prophylaxis for Pneumocystis pneumonia.

Vaccination of patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases

Patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) are at increased risk of infections. This risk has been further increased by the introduction of biologic agents over the past two decades. One of the most effective strategies to prevent infection is vaccination. However, patients with an AIRD have a compromised immune system, which is further impaired by medication. Another important issue is the possibility of triggering a broad nonspecific response by vaccination, potentially resulting in increased activity of the underlying autoimmune disease. In this Review, we provide an analysis of data on vaccination of patients with an AIRD. Both the efficacy and the safety of vaccination are addressed, together with the epidemiology of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in different subgroups of adults with AIRDs. Special attention is given to vaccination of patients who are treated with biologic agents.

Safety and immunogenicity of co-administered MF59-adjuvanted 2009 pandemic and plain 2009-10 seasonal influenza vaccines in rheumatoid arthritis patients on biologicals

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under immunosuppressive therapy are particularly susceptible to infections, mainly of the respiratory tract, thus vaccination may represent a strategy to reduce their incidence in this vulnerable population. In the 2009-10 influenza season, the safety and immunogenicity of co-administered non-adjuvanted seasonal and MF59-adjuvanted pandemic influenza vaccines were evaluated in this study in 30 RA patients under therapy with anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents or Abatacept and in 13 healthy controls (HC). Patients and HC underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation before (T0), 1 (T1) and 6 months (T2) after vaccinations. No severe adverse reactions, but a significant increase in total mild side effects in patients versus HC were observed. Both influenza vaccines fulfilled the three criteria of the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products (CPMP). Seroconversion rate for any viral strain in patients and HC was, respectively, 68 versus 45 for H1-A/Brisbane/59/07, 72 versus 81 for H3-A/Brisbane/10/07, 68 versus 54 for B/Brisbane/60/08 and 81 versus 54 for A/California/7/2009. A slight increase in activated interferon (IFN)-γ-, TNF-α- or interleukin (IL)-17A-secreting T cells at T1 compared to T0, followed by a reduction at T2 in both patients and HC, was registered. In conclusion, simultaneous administration of adjuvanted pandemic and non-adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccines is safe and highly immunogenic. The largely overlapping results between patients and HC, in terms of antibody response and cytokine-producing T cells, may represent further evidence for vaccine safety and immunogenicity in RA patients on biologicals.

[Vaccination in adult patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases]

Patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases often have an intrinsic and therapy associated increased susceptibility to infections which substantially contributes to morbidity and mortality of the patients. A large proportion of these infections are preventable by vaccination. For this reason in 2005 the standing vaccination committee (STIKO) recommended for patients with immunosuppression vaccination against pneumococcus, influenza, Haemophilus influenza b and meningococcus in addition to standard vaccinations, independent of age. Every patient should therefore be informed about a possible increase in susceptibility to infections and the recommended prevention by vaccination before implementation of immunosuppressive therapy.

Impact of a mixed bacterial lysate (OM-85 BV) on the immunogenicity, safety and tolerability of inactivated influenza vaccine in children with recurrent respiratory tract infection

It is known that the immunogenicity and efficacy of conventional inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs) are not completely satisfactory in children. The aim of this prospective, randomised, single-blind study was to compare the immune response to, and the effectiveness and safety of, an IIV (Fluarix, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium) administered to 68 children aged 36-59 months affected by recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) who were vaccinated with (n=33) or without (n=35) the mixed bacterial lysate OM-85 BV (Broncho-vaxom, Vifor Pharma, Geneva, Switzerland). OM-85 BV had no effect on seroconversion or seroprotection rates, geometric mean titres, or dendritic cells, which were not significantly different between the two groups. Moreover, OM-85 BV did not significantly increase the pool of the memory B cells that produce IgG and IgM antibodies against the influenza antigens. However, respiratory morbidity was significantly lower in the children treated with OM-85 BV (p<0.05), thus confirming its positive effect on the incidence of RRTIs. There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups. These findings show that the immune response of children to influenza vaccine is not significantly influenced by the administration of OM-85 BV. However, the use of OM-85 before and at the same time as IIV seems to reduce respiratory morbidity, and seems to be safe and well tolerated.

Vaccination and auto-immune rheumatic diseases: lessons learnt from the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus vaccination campaign

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To determine the safety and efficacy of adjuvant and nonadjuvant influenza A/H1NI vaccination in patients with rheumatic diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

Due to immune abnormalities and the use of steroids and immunosuppressant treatment, patients with rheumatic diseases are susceptible to infections including influenza. Infections continue to be one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in rheumatic diseases, partly due to the disease processes and partly due to medications. Viral infections are particularly an issue, so vaccinations would be advisable. However, because of the abnormalities in immune mechanisms in many rheumatic diseases, it is not clear whether vaccinations are well tolerated and effective. A number of studies confirmed the efficacy and safety of adjuvant and nonadjuvant influenza A/H1NI vaccination in patients with rheumatic diseases. The potential side effects associated with H1N1 vaccines were not different from those observed with seasonal influenza vaccine. The use of steroids and immunosuppressant therapies may alter the efficacy of the vaccines. Adjuvant and nonadjuvant influenza A/H1NI vaccinations have no clinically important effect on production or levels of autoantibodies in patients with rheumatic diseases.

SUMMARY

H1N1 vaccination should be given to patients with rheumatic diseases.

Autoimmune response following influenza vaccination in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease

Vaccines have undoubtedly brought overwhelming benefits to mankind and are considered safe and effective. Nevertheless, they can occasionally stimulate autoantibody production or even a recently defined syndrome known as autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). There is scarce data regarding autoimmune response after seasonal/influenza A (H1N1) vaccine in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease (AIRD). The objective of our study was therefore to determine autoimmune response in a large group of AIRD patients vaccinated against seasonal and/or H1N1 influenza. We conducted a prospective cohort study with a 6-month follow-up. Two-hundred and eighteen patients with AIRD (50 vaccinated against seasonal influenza, six against H1N1, 104 against both, 58 non-vaccinated controls) and 41 apparently healthy controls (nine vaccinated against seasonal influenza, three against H1N1, 18 against both, 11 non-vaccinated controls) were included. Blood samples were taken and screened for autoantibodies [antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-extractable nuclear antigen (anti-ENA), anticardiolipin (aCL) IgG/IgM antibodies, anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI)] at inclusion in the study, before each vaccination, 1 month after the last vaccination and 6 months after inclusion. For non-vaccinated participants (patients and healthy controls) blood samples were taken at the time of inclusion in the study and 6 months later. We report that after the administration of seasonal/H1N1 vaccine there were mostly transient changes in autoantibody production in AIRD patients and in healthy participants. However, a small subset of patients, especially ANA-positive patients, had a tendency towards anti-ENA development. Although no convincing differences between the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines were observed, our results imply that there might be a slight tendency of the H1N1 vaccine towards aCL induction. Although seasonal and H1N1 vaccines are safe and effective, they also have the potential to induce autoantibodies in selected AIRD patients and healthy adults. Follow-up of such individuals is proposed and further research is needed.

Immunogenicity, safety and tolerability of MF59-adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

In order to evaluate the immunogenicity, safety, and tolerability of the MF-59 adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) treated with different anti-rheumatic drugs, 60 pediatric patients with JIA (30 treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs [DMARDs] and 30 with etanercept) were compared with 30 healthy controls of similar gender and age. All of the patients received a single dose of the MF59-adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine (Fluad, Siena, Italy). Immunogenicity was assessed at baseline, and 1 and 3 months post-vaccination; safety and tolerability were also evaluated during the study period. The JIA patients treated with etanercept showed significantly lower geometric mean titres (GMTs) against the A/H1N1 strain than those treated with DMARDs (p<0.05) and the healthy controls (p<0.05), who had similar GMTs. The etanercept-treated JIA patients also showed a significant reduction in GMTs against the A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains from 1 to 3 months after vaccination (p<0.05). Furthermore, their seroconversion and seroprotection rates, and B antigen GMTs, were all significantly lower than those of the subjects in the other two groups (p<0.05). The safety and tolerability of the vaccine were good and similar between the groups. The results of this study indicate a reduced immune response to MF59-adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine in JIA children and adolescents treated with etanercept in comparison with those treated with DMARDs and healthy controls. The safety and tolerability of the vaccine appeared to be good in all of the study population.

Glucocorticoid: major factor for reduced immunogenicity of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) vaccine in patients with juvenile autoimmune rheumatic disease

OBJECTIVE

To assess the immunogenicity and safety of non-adjuvanted influenza A H1N1/2009 vaccine in patients with juvenile autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD) and healthy controls, because data are limited to the adult rheumatologic population.

METHODS

A total of 237 patients with juvenile ARD [juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), juvenile scleroderma, and vasculitis] and 91 healthy controls were vaccinated. Serology for anti-H1N1 was performed by hemagglutination inhibition assay. Seroprotection rate, seroconversion rate, and factor-increase in geometric mean titer (GMT) were calculated. Adverse events were evaluated.

RESULTS

Age was comparable in patients and controls (14.8 ± 3.0 vs 14.6 ± 3.7 years, respectively; p = 0.47). Three weeks after immunization, seroprotection rate (81.4% vs 95.6%; p = 0.0007), seroconversion rate (74.3 vs 95.6%; p < 0.0001), and the factor-increase in GMT (12.9 vs 20.3; p = 0.012) were significantly lower in patients with juvenile ARD versus controls. Subgroup analysis revealed reduced seroconversion rates in JSLE (p < 0.0001), JIA (p = 0.008), JDM (p = 0.025), and vasculitis (p = 0.017). Seroprotection (p < 0.0001) and GMT (p < 0.0001) were decreased only in JSLE. Glucocorticoid use and lymphopenia were associated with lower seroconversion rates (60.4 vs 82.9%; p = 0.0001; and 55.6 vs 77.2%; p = 0.012). Multivariate logistic regression including diseases, lymphopenia, glucocorticoid, and immunosuppressants demonstrated that only glucocorticoid use (p = 0.012) remained significant.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest study to demonstrate a reduced but adequate immune response to H1N1 vaccine in patients with juvenile ARD. It identified current glucocorticoid use as the major factor for decreased antibody production. The short-term safety results support its routine recommendation for patients with juvenile ARD. ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT01151644.

Immunogenicity and safety of intradermal influenza vaccine in children

In order to compare the immunogenicity and safety of different doses of trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) administered intradermallly (ID) with those evoked by a full dose of intramuscular (IM) virosomal-adjuvanted influenza vaccine (VA-TIV), 112 previously primed healthy children aged ≥ 3 years were randomised to receive 9 μg or 15 μg of each strain of ID-TIV, or a full IM dose (15 μg of each strain) of VA-TIV. The A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 seroconversion and seroprotection rates were ≥ 90% and geometric mean titres (GMTs) increased 3.2-14.9 times without any statistically significant between-group differences; however, the seroconversion and seroprotection rates against the B strain were significantly higher in the children receiving either ID-TIV dose (p<0.05) without any differences between them. GMT against B virus was significantly higher in the children receiving the highest dose (p<0.05). Local reactions were significantly more common among the children receiving either ID-TIV dose (p<0.05), but systemic reactions were relatively uncommon in all three groups. Our findings suggest that ID-TIV with 15 μg of each viral antigen can confer a significant better protection against influenza than that obtained with the same dose of IM TIV in already primed children aged ≥ 3 years with an acceptable safety profile. The lower dose of ID-TIV needs further evaluation to analyze persistence of protection.

[Flu vaccine and auto-immune and/or inflammatory diseases]

Patients with systemic inflammatory and/or autoimmune diseases have an increased risk of infections particularly severe influenza infections. Annually vaccination can prevent these infections. Available data about the influenza vaccine in these patients show that, it remains well tolerated and effective even if the antibody response is lower compared to healthy controls. These data encourage to vaccine every year patients with systemic inflammatory and/or autoimmune diseases with influenza vaccine, particularly patients taking immunosuppressant drugs or having respiratory, cardiac or renal chronic diseases according to guidelines. More data are needed about the severity of influenza infection and the efficacy of influenza vaccination in patients with systemic inflammatory and/or autoimmune diseases to improve their vaccine coverage.

The cellular immune response to influenza vaccination is preserved in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with rituximab

OBJECTIVES

Yearly vaccination against influenza is currently recommended to patients with rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Antibody and cell-mediated responses are both involved in the defense against influenza. Humoral responses to influenza vaccine are impaired in RA patients treated with rituximab (RTX). The objectives of this study were to comparatively assess cell mediated and humoral responses to influenza vaccination in RA patients with or without RTX-induced CD20 B-cell depletion.

METHODS

Trivalent influenza subunit vaccine was administered to 46 RA patients and to 16 healthy controls. The RA group included 29 patients treated by RTX and 17 on conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), mostly methotrexate. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and sera were obtained immediately before and 4-6 weeks after vaccination. Cell-mediated response to influenza antigens was evaluated by flow cytometry for activated CD4 T-cells. Humoral response was evaluated by haemagglutination inhibition assay.

RESULTS

Cellular response: Cell-mediated responses were comparable in RTX-treated vs. DMARDs-treated patients. The recall postvaccination CD4+ cellular response was similar in RA patients and healthy controls. A positive correlation was found between CD19+ cell count on the day of vaccination and cellular response in RTX-treated RA patients. Humoral response: The antibody response rate was significantly impaired in the RTX group: being 26.4%, 68.4% and 47.1% in RTX-treated, DMARDs-treated and controls, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Cellular immunity to influenza vaccination in RTX-treated patients was similar to DMARDs-treated patients and healthy controls, while humoral immunity was severely impaired. The preservation of cellular immunity may explain the relatively low rate of infection among B-cell depleted patients.

Vaccination in adult patients with auto-immune inflammatory rheumatic diseases: a systematic literature review for the European League Against Rheumatism evidence-based recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with auto-immune inflammatory rheumatic diseases

OBJECTIVES

To present the systematic literature review (SLR), which formed the basis for the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) evidence-based recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with auto-immune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD).

METHODS

AIIRD, vaccines and immunomodulating drugs, as well as eight key questions were defined by the multidisciplinary expert committee commissioned by EULAR for developing the recommendations. A SLR was performed using MedLine through October 2009 and including data from meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized trials, and observational studies, excluding case series with ≤ 5 participants. Articles in English and regarding patients ≥ 16 years of age, were eligible.

RESULTS

Several vaccine-preventable infections (VPI) occur more often in AIIRD-patients and most vaccines are efficacious in AIIRD-patients, even when treated with immunomodulating agents, except rituximab. There does not appear to be an increase in vaccination-related harms in vaccinated patients with AIIRD in comparison with unvaccinated patients with AIIRD. However, these studies are underpowered and therefore not conclusive.

CONCLUSION

Based on the current evidence from the literature, recommendations for vaccination in patients with AIIRD were made. However, more research is needed in particular regarding incidence of VPI, harms of vaccination and the influence of (new and established) immunomodulating agents on vaccination efficacy.

Low influenza vaccination rate among patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influenza vaccination rate and factors influencing it in patients with SSc.

METHODS

A total of 177 SSc patients fulfilling the ACR and/or LeRoy and Medsger criteria were evaluated during annual meetings of the French patient association in 2006 (n = 71) and 2007 (n = 70) or during hospitalization in the Internal Medicine Department of Cochin Hospital in 2007 (n = 36). Information on influenza vaccination was collected by a standardized form.

RESULTS

Mean (s.d.) age and disease duration were 58.7 (12.6) and 10.5 (9.5) years, respectively. Overall, 69 (39%) patients received an influenza vaccination during the previous year. Among the 108 patients who were not vaccinated, 78 (72.2%) presented at least one indication for vaccination. The most frequent reasons for non-vaccination were absence of physician recommendation and fear of side effects. Patients who were and were not vaccinated did not differ in anxiety, depression, global disability or quality of life. Vaccination rate was significantly higher (59%) for patients who remembered receiving a letter from the French National Health Insurance Agency encouraging vaccination than among those who did not (26%, P = 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed the year of the last vaccination and age as two independent parameters associated with vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

Influenza vaccination coverage is low in SSc patients. Lack of information and fear of adverse effects are the most common reasons for non-vaccination. Efforts are needed to increase the influenza vaccination coverage in this population.

Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of virosome based vaccines against Newcastle disease

Virosome based vaccines against Newcastle disease (ND) were prepared and evaluated for their immunogenicity and protective efficacy in chickens. Envelop of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was solubilised with Triton X-100 to yield virosomes which were later on encapsulated in poly-lactide-co-glycolide (PLG) microspheres. The birds were immunized intranasally with virosomes or PLG microspheres encapsulated virosomes, and efficacy of these preparations was compared with commercial LaSota vaccine. The preparations protected the chickens against virulent virus challenge infection, however the microencapsulated virosome vaccine gave slightly lesser degree of protection than non encapsulated counterpart. The humoral and cell mediated immune response generated as well as the protection afforded by virosome preparations were found to be comparable with LaSota vaccine. The results substantiate the potential of virosome based vaccines to provide high level of immunity and protection against Newcastle disease.