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Cheung YYH, Lau EHY, Yin G, Lin Y, Jiang J, Cowling BJ, Lam KF. Joint analysis of vaccination effectiveness and antiviral drug effectiveness for COVID-19: a causal inference approach. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 143:107012. [PMID: 38521448 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to estimate the causal effects of oral antivirals and vaccinations in the prevention of all-cause mortality and progression to severe COVID-19 in an integrative setting with both antivirals and vaccinations considered as interventions. METHODS We identified hospitalized adult patients (i.e. aged 18 or above) in Hong Kong with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 16, 2022, and December 31, 2022. An inverse probability-weighted (IPW) Andersen-Gill model with time-dependent predictors was used to address immortal time bias and produce causal estimates for the protection effects of oral antivirals and vaccinations against severe COVID-19. RESULTS Given prescription is made within 5 days of confirmed infection, nirmatrelvir-ritonavir is more effective in providing protection against all-cause mortality and development into severe COVID-19 than molnupiravir. There was no significant difference between CoronaVac and Comirnaty in the effectiveness of reducing all-cause mortality and progression to severe COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS The use of oral antivirals and vaccinations causes lower risks of all-cause mortality and progression to severe COVID-19 for hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yat Harrison Cheung
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Eric Ho Yin Lau
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Guosheng Yin
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London, The United Kingdom
| | - Yun Lin
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jialiang Jiang
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Benjamin John Cowling
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H) Limited, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok Fai Lam
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
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Bournia VK, Fragoulis GE, Mitrou P, Mathioudakis K, Konstantonis G, Tektonidou MG, Tsolakidis A, Paraskevis D, Sfikakis PP. Outcomes of COVID-19 Omicron variant in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a nationwide Greek cohort study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1130-1138. [PMID: 37467059 PMCID: PMC10986801 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with RA were at increased risk for COVID-19-associated hospitalization and death during the first year of the pandemic in Greece. We aimed to examine their outcomes after the SARS-Cov-2 Omicron, a more contagious but with milder clinical impacts variant, prevailed. METHODS A retrospective, nationwide study was conducted between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2022 in all RA patients under treatment and matched (1:5) on age, sex and region of domicile random general population comparators. Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, hospitalizations and deaths, anti-rheumatic medications, prior COVID-19, vaccinations and anti-viral medications were recorded. RESULTS Among 34 182 RA patients, infections (n = 5569, 16.29%), hospitalizations (n = 489, 1.43%) and deaths (n = 106, 0.31%) were more frequent than among comparators. Incidence rates per 1000 person/years of infection [IRR (95% CI):1.19 (1.16, 1.23)], hospitalization [IRR (95% CI):2.0 (1.82, 2.24)], and death [IRR (95% CI):1.81 (1.44, 2.27)] were increased in RA despite better vaccination coverage (89% vs 84%) and more frequent use of anti-viral medications (2.37% vs 1.08). Logistic regression analysis after correcting for age, sex, vaccinations, prior COVID-19, and anti-viral medications in SARS-CoV-2 infected RA patients and comparators revealed increased risk of hospitalization (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.79, 2.27) and death [OR: 1.73, (95% CI: 1.36, 2.20)] in RA. Among infected RA patients, rituximab treatment conferred increased risks for hospitalization [OR: 6.12, (95% CI: 2.89, 12.92)] and death [OR: 12.06 (95% CI: 3.90, 37.31)], while JAK inhibitors increased only hospitalization risk [OR: 2.18 (95% CI: 1.56, 3.06)]. CONCLUSION RA remains a risk factor for hospitalization and death in an era of a relatively low COVID-19 fatality rate, pointing to the need of perseverance in vaccination programs and wider use of anti-viral medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki-Kalliopi Bournia
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - George E Fragoulis
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - George Konstantonis
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Zhang W, Zhang X, Han J, Zhang W, Xu J, Zhang X, Bian H, Meng C, Shang D, Zhou Y, Wang D, Feng B. Case report: Paralytic ileus resulted from nirmatrelvir/ritonavir-tacrolimus drug-drug interaction in a systemic lupus erythematosus patient with COVID-19. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1389187. [PMID: 38601471 PMCID: PMC11004316 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1389187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases are at a high risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and effective antiviral treatments including nirmatrelvir/ritonavir can improve their outcomes. However, there might be potential drug-drug interactions when these patients take nirmatrelvir/ritonavir together with immunosuppressants with a narrow therapeutic window, such as tacrolimus and cyclosporine. We present a case of paralytic ileus resulting from tacrolimus toxicity mediated by the use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A 37-year-old female SLE patient was prescribed nirmatrelvir/ritonavir without discontinuing tacrolimus. She presented to the emergency room with symptoms of paralytic ileus including persistent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which were verified to be associated with tacrolimus toxicity. The blood concentration of tacrolimus was measured >30 ng/mL. Urgent medical intervention was initiated, while tacrolimus was withheld. The residual concentration was brought within the appropriate range and tacrolimus was resumed 8 days later. Physicians must be aware of the potential DDIs when prescribing nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, especially to those taking immunosuppresants like tacrolimus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Poisoning and Occupational Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xingguo Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Poisoning and Occupational Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jinming Han
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiarui Xu
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Poisoning and Occupational Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongjun Bian
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Chong Meng
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Deya Shang
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Baobao Feng
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Poisoning and Occupational Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Bertini CD, Khawaja F, Sheshadri A. Coronavirus Disease-2019 in the Immunocompromised Host. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2024; 38:213-228. [PMID: 38280765 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Immunocompromised hosts, which encompass a diverse population of persons with malignancies, human immunodeficiency virus disease, solid organ, and hematologic transplants, autoimmune diseases, and primary immunodeficiencies, bear a significant burden of the morbidity and mortality due to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Immunocompromised patients who develop COVID-19 have a more severe illness, higher hospitalization rates, and higher mortality rates than immunocompetent patients. There are no well-defined treatment strategies that are specific to immunocompromised patients and vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and convalescent plasma are variably effective. This review focuses on the specific impact of COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients and the gaps in knowledge that require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Bertini
- Department of Internal Medicine, UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School, 6431 Fannin, MSB 1.150, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Fareed Khawaja
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1469, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ajay Sheshadri
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street Unit 1462, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Cheung YYH, Lau EHY, Yin G, Lin Y, Cowling BJ, Lam KF. Effectiveness of Vaccines and Antiviral Drugs in Preventing Severe and Fatal COVID-19, Hong Kong. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:70-78. [PMID: 38040664 PMCID: PMC10756371 DOI: 10.3201/eid3001.230414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We compared the effectiveness and interactions of molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and 2 vaccines, CoronaVac and Comirnaty, in a large population of inpatients with COVID-19 in Hong Kong. Both the oral antiviral drugs and vaccines were associated with lower risks for all-cause mortality and progression to serious/critical/fatal conditions (study outcomes). No significant interaction effects were observed between the antiviral drugs and vaccinations; their joint effects were additive. If antiviral drugs were prescribed within 5 days of confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, usage was associated with lower risks for the target outcomes for patients >60, but not <60, years of age; no significant clinical benefit was found if prescribed beyond 5 days. Among patients >80 years of age, 3-4 doses of Comirnaty vaccine were associated with significantly lower risks for target outcomes. Policies should encourage COVID-19 vaccination, and oral antivirals should be made accessible to infected persons within 5 days of confirmed diagnosis.
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Papagoras C, Zioga N, Papadopoulos V, Gerolymatou N, Kalavri E, Bounos C, Simopoulou T, Fragoulis GE, Panopoulos S, Fragiadaki K, Evangelatos G, Bournia VK, Arida A, Karamanakos A, Pappa M, Kravvariti E, Deftereou K, Kougkas N, Zampeli E, Kataxaki E, Melissaropoulos K, Barouta G, Panagiotopoulos A, Koutsianas C, Liossis SN, Georgiou P, Dimitroulas T, Tektonidou MG, Bogdanos DP, Elezoglou A, Voulgari PV, Sfikakis PP, Vassilopoulos D. Omicron variant dominance and anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are key determinants for a milder course of COVID-19 in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:3375-3385. [PMID: 37731083 PMCID: PMC10640401 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06769-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to determine whether the introduction of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and the dominance of the omicron variant had a significant impact on the outcome of COVID-19 in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SAIRDs). METHODS Using data entered to the Greek Rheumatology Society COVID-19 registry, we investigated the incidence of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19, during the successive periods of the pandemic according to the prevalent strain (wild-type, Alpha, Delta, Omicron) in vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. Variables independently associated with hospitalization and death were explored using multivariate regression analyses, while Kaplan-Meier curves were used to depict survival data. RESULTS From August 2020 until June 30, 2022, 456 cases (70.2% females) of COVID-19 with a mean age (± SD) of 51.4 ± 14.0 years were reported. In unvaccinated patients, the proportions of hospitalization and death were 24.5% and 4%, compared to 12.5% and 0.8% in the vaccinated group (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). The rates of hospitalization for the wild-type, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron periods were 24.7%, 31.3%, 25.9%, and 8.1% respectively (p < 0.0001), while the case fatality rates were 2.7%, 4%, 7%, and 0%, respectively (p = 0.001). Using multivariable regression analysis, factors independently associated with hospitalization were infection by a non-Omicron variant, being non-vaccinated, exposure to rituximab, older age, and respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Independent predictors for death were contracting COVID-19 during the Alpha or Delta period, pulmonary disease, and older age, while being vaccinated was protective. CONCLUSIONS In this 2-year analysis, the rates of hospitalization and death among patients with SAIRDs have declined significantly. Vaccination and the dominance of the Omicron variant appear to be the major determinants for this shift. Key points • During the late phase of the pandemic, the proportion of severe COVID-19 cases, defined as requiring hospitalization or resulting in death, in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases has declined. • Anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and the dominance of the Omicron strain are the key factors that have independently contributed to this shift.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Papagoras
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Nikoleta Zioga
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Nafsika Gerolymatou
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eleni Kalavri
- Department of Rheumatology, Asklepieion General Hospital, Voula, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Bounos
- Department of Rheumatology, Asklepieion General Hospital, Voula, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Simopoulou
- Clinic of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - George E Fragoulis
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stylianos Panopoulos
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Fragiadaki
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Evangelatos
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki-Kalliopi Bournia
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Arida
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasios Karamanakos
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Pappa
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evrydiki Kravvariti
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kleopatra Deftereou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kougkas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Evangelia Kataxaki
- Rheumatology Department, General Hospital Elefsinas Thriaseio, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Alexandros Panagiotopoulos
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 114 Vass. Sophias Ave, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Koutsianas
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 114 Vass. Sophias Ave, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatis-Nick Liossis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios P Bogdanos
- Clinic of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Antonia Elezoglou
- Department of Rheumatology, Asklepieion General Hospital, Voula, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi V Voulgari
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vassilopoulos
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 114 Vass. Sophias Ave, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
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7
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Ramirez GA, Gerosa M, Bellocchi C, Arroyo-Sánchez D, Asperti C, Argolini LM, Gallina G, Cornalba M, Scotti I, Suardi I, Moroni L, Beretta L, Bozzolo EP, Caporali R, Dagna L. Efficacy and Safety of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antiviral Agents and Monoclonal Antibodies in Patients with SLE: A Case-Control Study. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1273. [PMID: 37759674 PMCID: PMC10527378 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-related disease (COVID-19) has spread pandemically with high rates of morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 has also posed unprecedented challenges in terms of rapid development of pharmacological countermeasures to prevent or contrast SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antiviral agents and monoclonal antibodies have been specifically designed to attenuate COVID-19 morbidity and prevent mortality in vulnerable subjects, such as patients with immune-mediated diseases, but evidence for the safe and effective use of these drugs in this latter population group is scarce. Therefore, we designed a retrospective, multicentre, observational, case-control study to analyse the impact of these treatments in COVID-19 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a paradigmatic, multi-organ autoimmune disease. We identified 21 subjects treated with antivirals and/or monoclonal antibodies who were matched with 42 untreated patients by age, sex, SLE extension and duration. Treated patients had higher baseline SLE disease activity index 2000 scores [SLEDAI-2K median (interquartile range) = 4 (1-5) vs. 0 (0-2); p = 0.009], higher prednisone doses [5 (0-10) mg vs. 0 (0-3) mg; p = 0.002], and more severe COVID-19 symptoms by a five-point World Health Organisation-endorsed analogue scale [1 (0-1) vs. 0 (0-1); p < 0.010] compared to untreated patients. There was no difference between groups in terms of COVID-19 outcomes and sequelae, nor in terms of post-COVID-19 SLE exacerbations. Three subjects reported mild adverse events (two with monoclonal antibodies, one with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir). These data suggest that anti-SARS-CoV-2 antivirals and monoclonal antibodies might be safely and effectively used in patients with SLE, especially with active disease and more severe COVID-19 symptoms at presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe A. Ramirez
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (D.A.-S.); (C.A.); (G.G.); (L.M.); (E.P.B.); (L.D.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Gerosa
- Department of Clinical Science of Community Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.G.); (L.M.A.); (M.C.); (I.S.); (I.S.); (R.C.)
- Unit of Rheumatology, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Piazza Cardinale Andrea Ferrari 1, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bellocchi
- Referral Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.B.); (L.B.)
- Department of Clinical Science of Community Health, Section of Internal Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniel Arroyo-Sánchez
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (D.A.-S.); (C.A.); (G.G.); (L.M.); (E.P.B.); (L.D.)
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Av de Córdoba, 28041 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Av de Córdoba, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Chiara Asperti
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (D.A.-S.); (C.A.); (G.G.); (L.M.); (E.P.B.); (L.D.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza M. Argolini
- Department of Clinical Science of Community Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.G.); (L.M.A.); (M.C.); (I.S.); (I.S.); (R.C.)
- Unit of Rheumatology, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Piazza Cardinale Andrea Ferrari 1, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Gallina
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (D.A.-S.); (C.A.); (G.G.); (L.M.); (E.P.B.); (L.D.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Cornalba
- Department of Clinical Science of Community Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.G.); (L.M.A.); (M.C.); (I.S.); (I.S.); (R.C.)
- Unit of Rheumatology, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Piazza Cardinale Andrea Ferrari 1, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Isabella Scotti
- Department of Clinical Science of Community Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.G.); (L.M.A.); (M.C.); (I.S.); (I.S.); (R.C.)
- Unit of Rheumatology, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Piazza Cardinale Andrea Ferrari 1, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Suardi
- Department of Clinical Science of Community Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.G.); (L.M.A.); (M.C.); (I.S.); (I.S.); (R.C.)
- Unit of Rheumatology, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Piazza Cardinale Andrea Ferrari 1, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Moroni
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (D.A.-S.); (C.A.); (G.G.); (L.M.); (E.P.B.); (L.D.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Beretta
- Referral Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; (C.B.); (L.B.)
- Department of Clinical Science of Community Health, Section of Internal Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Enrica P. Bozzolo
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (D.A.-S.); (C.A.); (G.G.); (L.M.); (E.P.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Roberto Caporali
- Department of Clinical Science of Community Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.G.); (L.M.A.); (M.C.); (I.S.); (I.S.); (R.C.)
- Unit of Rheumatology, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO, Piazza Cardinale Andrea Ferrari 1, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Dagna
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (D.A.-S.); (C.A.); (G.G.); (L.M.); (E.P.B.); (L.D.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
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8
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Panopoulos S, Tzilas V, Bournia VK, Karamanakos A, Laskari K, Bouros D, Tektonidou M, Sfikakis PP. COVID-19 and protection of vaccination in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2023; 8:113-119. [PMID: 37284697 PMCID: PMC9755035 DOI: 10.1177/23971983221143252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Data on COVID-19 in patients with interstitial lung disease are scarce and whether SARS-CoV-2 may trigger interstitial lung disease progression remains unknown. We aimed to analyze outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease, including possible thoracic radiographic progression. PATIENTS AND METHODS All 43 patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease followed in our center (mean ± SD, 55.2 ± 11.6 years, 36 female) with confirmed SARS-CoV2 infection up to 1 September 2022 were analyzed. Individual interstitial lung disease extent on high resolution CT (HRCT) performed before (up to 3 months) and after COVID-19 (2-5 months) was compared. RESULTS At SARS-CoV-2 infection, 9/43 patients were unvaccinated, whereas 5, 26, and 3 had received 2, 3, or 4 doses of an mRNA vaccine, respectively. Thirty-one patients were either on monotherapy with immunosuppressives (mycophenolate, n = 7; cyclophosphamide, n = 2; methotrexate, n = 10; tocilizumab, n = 7; rituximab, n = 1; etanercept, n = 1), or their combinations (n = 3). Eight patients (20%), of whom four unvaccinated, required hospitalization for pneumonia and three (7%) died of acute respiratory failure (n = 2, both unvaccinated) or cardiac arrest. Lack of vaccination was the only independent predictor for hospitalization (OR = 7.98, 95% CI: 1.25-51.09) and marginally for death (OR = 32.7, 95% CI: 0.97-1110.98), regardless of the presence of diffuse systemic sclerosis, interstitial lung disease extent greater than 20% or immunosuppressive treatment. In 22 patients with available HRCT pairs (vaccinated = 20), the interstitial lung disease extent before COVID-19 (20.4%± 17.8%) remained unchanged (22.4% ± 18.5%) in all but one patient. CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is of outmost importance for every systemic sclerosis patient with interstitial lung disease. COVID-19 does not seem to promote progression of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease in vaccinated patients, but further studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Panopoulos
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine and Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilios Tzilas
- 5th Respiratory Medicine Department, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki-Kalliopi Bournia
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine and Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasios Karamanakos
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine and Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Laskari
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine and Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Demosthenes Bouros
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine and Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Medical Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Tektonidou
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine and Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P. Sfikakis
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine and Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon Hospital, Athens, Greece
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9
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Abstract
Immunocompromised hosts, which encompass a diverse population of persons with malignancies, human immunodeficiency virus disease, solid organ, and hematologic transplants, autoimmune diseases, and primary immunodeficiencies, bear a significant burden of the morbidity and mortality due to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Immunocompromised patients who develop COVID-19 have a more severe illness, higher hospitalization rates, and higher mortality rates than immunocompetent patients. There are no well-defined treatment strategies that are specific to immunocompromised patients and vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and convalescent plasma are variably effective. This review focuses on the specific impact of COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients and the gaps in knowledge that require further study.
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