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Kefalopoulou ZM, Veltsista D, Germeni A, Lykouras D, Tsiamaki E, Chroni E. Rituximab as a sole steroid-sparing agent in generalized myasthenia gravis: Long-term outcomes. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:1233-1242. [PMID: 37831214 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07082-3] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rituximab, a B-cell depleting monoclonal antibody, represents an option for the treatment of refractory myasthenia gravis (MG). Its use is more established in muscle-specific tyrosine kinase positive (MuSK +) patients, while its role in managing acetylcholine receptor positive (AChR +), or double seronegative (DSN) patients, remains less clear. This study evaluates the long-term effectiveness and safety of rituximab in MG of various serotypes. METHODS We conducted an open-label study of MG patients receiving rituximab. Adults with generalized refractory MG, either anti-AChR + or DSN, and anti-MuSK + , refractory or not, who had follow-up > 12 months were selected. Change in quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score at last follow-up, compared with baseline was a primary outcome, as well as factors affecting response to treatment. Secondary outcomes included, long-term safety, the steroid-sparing effect and relapse rates post-rituximab. RESULTS Thirty patients (16 anti-AChR + , 6 anti-MuSK + , 8 DSN) followed for a mean of 33.3 months were included. Mean scores pre-rituximab compared to last follow-up significantly decreased (p < 0.001), from 11 ± 4.1 to 4.3 ± 3.8, and from 1.9 to 0.3 regarding QMG and relapse rate per patient/year, respectively, while in 93.1% a daily steroid dose ≤ 10 mg was achieved. Antibody status was the only factor independently influencing several endpoints. Throughout the study period no crises or deaths occurred. CONCLUSION The present study supports that rituximab is an effective and well tolerated treatment for refractory anti-AChR + and DSN MG patients, while anti-MuSK + remains the group experiencing the greater benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinovia-Maria Kefalopoulou
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Patras, 26504, Patras, Rio, Greece.
- Neuromuscular Centre, University Hospital of Patras, 26504, Patras, Rio, Greece.
| | - Dimitra Veltsista
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Patras, 26504, Patras, Rio, Greece
- Neuromuscular Centre, University Hospital of Patras, 26504, Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Alexandra Germeni
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Patras, 26504, Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Dimosthenis Lykouras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, 26504, Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Eirini Tsiamaki
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Patras, 26504, Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Elisabeth Chroni
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Patras, 26504, Patras, Rio, Greece
- Neuromuscular Centre, University Hospital of Patras, 26504, Patras, Rio, Greece
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Kocatürk E, Abrams EM, Maurer M, Mitri J, Oppenheimer J, Vestergaard C, Zein J. COVID-19 and Its Impact on Common Diseases in the Allergy Clinics. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:3289-3303. [PMID: 37660731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has various effects on asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria and may change the course of the disease depending on the severity of the infection and control status of the disease. Conversely, these diseases may also impact the course of COVID-19. Patients with chronic urticaria and atopic dermatitis may have COVID-19-induced disease exacerbations and biological treatments reduce the risk of exacerbations. Poor asthma control is linked to severe COVID-19 while allergic asthma is associated with lower risk of death and a lower rate of hospitalization due to COVID-19 compared with nonallergic asthma. The use of intranasal corticosteroids is associated with lower rates of hospitalization due to COVID-19 in patients with allergic rhinitis, whereas the effect of inhaled corticosteroids is confounded by asthma severity. These observations reinforce the importance of keeping allergic diseases under control during pandemics. The use of biologicals during COVID-19 is generally regarded as safe, but more evidence is needed. The pandemic substantially changed the management of allergic disorders such as home implementation of various biologicals, allergen immunotherapy, food introduction, and increased use of telemedicine and even home management of anaphylaxis to reduce emergency department burden and reduce risk of infection. Physicians need to be aware of the potential impact of COVID-19 on allergic diseases and educate their patients on the importance of continuing prescribed medications and adhering to their treatment plans to maintain optimal control of their disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emek Kocatürk
- Department of Dermatology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey; Institute of Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Elissa M Abrams
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marcus Maurer
- Institute of Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jad Mitri
- Department of Medicine, Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, Boston, Mass
| | - John Oppenheimer
- UMDNJ-Rutgers Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Newark, NJ
| | | | - Joe Zein
- The Respiratory Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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Messas T, Lim RK, Burns L, Yumeen S, Kroumpouzos G. A critical review of COVID-19 course and vaccination in dermatology patients on immunomodulatory/biologic therapy: recommendations should not differ between non-pregnant and pregnant individuals. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1121025. [PMID: 37332768 PMCID: PMC10272467 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1121025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 can have detrimental effects on immunosuppressed patients. Here, we evaluate the evidence regarding continuing immunomodulatory/biologic (IMBI) therapy in pregnant dermatology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, we discuss the risks of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant dermatology patients on IMBI therapy. As indicated in this review, regarding continuing IMBI therapy in pregnant dermatology patients during the pandemic, there is no compelling reason for treating them differently than non-pregnant. The body of evidence indicates that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are safe during pregnancy. Studies on rheumatology patients, a group that overlaps significantly with the dermatology group, provided essential findings. IMBI in a non-pregnant rheumatology patient was not associated with COVID-19 mortality (except for rituximab), and vaccination of the rheumatology patient during pregnancy improved the obstetric outcomes compared to the unvaccinated patient. Based on this data, it can be stated that after weighing the benefit-risk profile of the available COVID-19 vaccines, the recommendation for the pregnant dermatology patient speaks in favor of the COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 vaccine recommendations in pregnant dermatology patients on IMBI should not differ from those for their non-pregnant counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tassahil Messas
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Centre, University of Constantine III, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Rachel K. Lim
- Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Laura Burns
- Department of Dermatology, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Sara Yumeen
- Department of Dermatology, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - George Kroumpouzos
- Department of Dermatology, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- GK Dermatology, PC, South Weymouth, MA, United States
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4
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Akter R, Rahman MR, Ahmed ZS, Afrose A. Plausibility of natural immunomodulators in the treatment of COVID-19-A comprehensive analysis and future recommendations. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17478. [PMID: 37366526 PMCID: PMC10284624 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted millions of deaths worldwide. Despite the availability of several vaccines and some special drugs approved for emergency use to prevent or treat this disease still, there is a huge concern regarding their effectiveness, adverse effects, and most importantly, their efficacy against the new variants. A cascade of immune-inflammatory responses is involved with the pathogenesis and severe complications with COVID-19. People with dysfunctional and compromised immune systems display severe complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, multiple organ failure etc., when they get infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Plant-derived natural immune-suppressant compounds, such as resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, berberine, luteolin, etc., have been reported to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Therefore, natural products with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential could be plausible targets to treat this contagious disease. This review aims to delineate the clinical trials status and outcomes of natural compounds with immunomodulatory potential in COVID-19 patients along with the outcomes of their in-vivo studies. In clinical trials several natural immunomodulators resulted in significant improvement of COVID-19 patients by diminishing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and breathlessness. Most importantly, they reduced the duration of hospitalization and the need for supplemental oxygen therapy, improved clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19, especially weakness, and eliminated acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. This paper also discusses many potent natural immunomodulators yet to undergo clinical trials. In-vivo studies with natural immunomodulators demonstrated reduction of a wide range of proinflammatory cytokines. Natural immunomodulators that were found effective, safe, and well tolerated in small-scale clinical trials are warranted to undergo large-scale trials to be used as drugs to treat COVID-19 infections. Alongside, compounds yet to test clinically must undergo clinical trials to find their effectiveness and safety in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raushanara Akter
- School of Pharmacy, Brac University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rashidur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Zainab Syed Ahmed
- School of Pharmacy, Brac University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Afrina Afrose
- School of Pharmacy, Brac University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Zhang P, Mao R, Zhang C, Qiu Y, Chen M. Gastrointestinal injury induced by immunomodulators: A review article. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2023; 16:17562848231158549. [PMID: 37113189 PMCID: PMC10126616 DOI: 10.1177/17562848231158549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of immunomodulators, either anti-inflammatory or immunity-enhancing, have brought about a revolutionary effect in the management of a variety of autoimmune disorders and malignancies. However, their ability to cause gastrointestinal (GI) injury and induce GI symptoms has been increasingly and unexpectedly recognized. GI injury associated with immunomodulators may demonstrate various histologic and endoscopic patterns. Optimal diagnosis and treatment require a multidisciplinary approach. This review aims to provide an overview of the literature on its pathogenesis, the clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features, and suggested approaches to manage these newly recognized immunomodulator-induced GI adverse effects (AEs). We also reviewed current biomarkers predictive of GI toxicity and potential risk factors to identify susceptible patients. In addition, these immune-mediated AEs were compared with inflammatory bowel disease, a well-documented form of inflammation-driven GI injury. We hope this review will raise awareness and vigilance among clinicians of these entities to increase early diagnosis and rapid referral to specialist care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingxin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province,
China
| | - Ren Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province,
China
| | - Chuhan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province,
China
| | | | - Minhu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province,
China
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Ariño H, Heartshorne R, Michael BD, Nicholson TR, Vincent A, Pollak TA, Vogrig A. Neuroimmune disorders in COVID-19. J Neurol 2022; 269:2827-2839. [PMID: 35353232 PMCID: PMC9120100 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11050-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the aetiologic agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is now rapidly disseminating throughout the world with 147,443,848 cases reported so far. Around 30-80% of cases (depending on COVID-19 severity) are reported to have neurological manifestations including anosmia, stroke, and encephalopathy. In addition, some patients have recognised autoimmune neurological disorders, including both central (limbic and brainstem encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis [ADEM], and myelitis) and peripheral diseases (Guillain-Barré and Miller Fisher syndrome). We systematically describe data from 133 reported series on the Neurology and Neuropsychiatry of COVID-19 blog ( https://blogs.bmj.com/jnnp/2020/05/01/the-neurology-and-neuropsychiatry-of-covid-19/ ) providing a comprehensive overview concerning the diagnosis, and treatment of patients with neurological immune-mediated complications of SARS-CoV-2. In most cases the latency to neurological disorder was highly variable and the immunological or other mechanisms involved were unclear. Despite specific neuronal or ganglioside antibodies only being identified in 10, many had apparent responses to immunotherapies. Although the proportion of patients experiencing immune-mediated neurological disorders is small, the total number is likely to be underestimated. The early recognition and improvement seen with use of immunomodulatory treatment, even in those without identified autoantibodies, makes delayed or missed diagnoses risk the potential for long-term disability, including the emerging challenge of post-acute COVID-19 sequelae (PACS). Finally, potential issues regarding the use of immunotherapies in patients with pre-existent neuro-immunological disorders are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Ariño
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rosie Heartshorne
- Department of Neurology, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Benedict D Michael
- Department of Neurology, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
- The National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit for Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Clinical Infection Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Timothy R Nicholson
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas A Pollak
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Alberto Vogrig
- Centre de Référence National pour les Syndromes Neurologiques Paranéoplasique, Hôpital Neurologique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale, Presidio Ospedaliero Santa Maria Della Misericordia, Udine, Italy
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7
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Taghavi S, Raffiei Jelodar H, Rafati A, Naderi N, Mirtajaddini M, Amin A, Valizadeh L, Omidvar R, Kamali M, Naseh S. COVID-19 in heart transplant recipients. J Cardiovasc Thorac Res 2022; 14:258-262. [PMID: 36699553 PMCID: PMC9871157 DOI: 10.34172/jcvtr.2022.31583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: After solid organ transplantation, patients require lifelong immunosuppressive medication, increasing susceptibility to COVID-19. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of heart transplant recipients in patients with COVID-19. Methods: We enrolled twenty-two COVID-19 cases of adult heart transplantation from February 2020 to September 2021. Results: The most common symptoms in patients were fever and myalgia. The death occurred in 3 (13.6 %). Conclusion: Although heart transplantation mortality may increase in the acute rejection phase concomitant with COVID-19, immunosuppressive dose reduction may not be necessary for all heart transplant patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Taghavi
- Heart Valve Disease Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoda Raffiei Jelodar
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding Author: Hoda Raffiei Jelodar,
| | - Ali Rafati
- Heart Valve Disease Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Naderi
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Mirtajaddini
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Amin
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leili Valizadeh
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Razieh Omidvar
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Monireh Kamali
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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SARS-CoV-2 in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Structured Review of 2020. Transplant Proc 2021; 53:2421-2434. [PMID: 34551880 PMCID: PMC8364801 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2021.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is challenging health systems all over the world. Particularly high-risk groups show considerable mortality rates after infection. In 2020, a huge number of case reports, case series, and consecutively various systematic reviews have been published reporting on morbidity and mortality risk connected with SARS-CoV-2 in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. However, this vast array of publications resulted in an increasing complexity of the field, overwhelming even for the expert reader. METHODS We performed a structured literature review comprising electronic databases, transplant journals, and literature from previous systematic reviews covering the entire year 2020. From 164 included articles, we identified 3451 cases of SARS-CoV-2-infected SOT recipients. RESULTS Infections resulted in a hospitalization rate of 84% and 24% intensive care unit admissions in the included patients. Whereas 53.6% of patients were reported to have recovered, cross-sectional overall mortality reported after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was at 21.1%. Synoptic data concerning immunosuppressive medication attested to the reduction or withdrawal of antimetabolites (81.9%) and calcineurin inhibitors (48.9%) as a frequent adjustment. In contrast, steroids were reported to be increased in 46.8% of SOT recipients. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 in SOT recipients is associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Conforming with current guidelines, modifications of immunosuppressive therapies mostly comprised a reduction or withdrawal of antimetabolites and calcineurin inhibitors, while frequently maintaining or even increasing steroids. Here, we provide an accessible overview to the topic and synoptic estimates of expectable outcomes regarding in-hospital mortality of SOT recipients with COVID-19.
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Neutralizing Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, Anti-Ad5 Antibodies, and Reactogenicity in Response to Ad5-nCoV (CanSino Biologics) Vaccine in Individuals with and without Prior SARS-CoV-2. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9091047. [PMID: 34579284 PMCID: PMC8472849 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9091047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the first study outside of clinical trials (phase I–III) evaluating the ability of the Ad5-nCoV vaccine to generate neutralizing antibodies and the factors associated with optimal or suboptimal response. In a longitudinal assay, 346 people (117 with prior COVID-19 and 229 without prior COVID-19) vaccinated with Ad5-nCoV were recruited. The percentage of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 (Surrogate Virus Neutralization Test) and antibodies against Ad5 (ADV-Ad5 IgG ELISA) were quantified pre and post-vaccination effects. The Ad5-nCoV vaccine induces higher neutralizing antibodies percentage in individuals with prior COVID-19 than those without prior COVID-19 (median [IQR]: 98% [97–98.1] vs. 72% [54–90], respectively; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, a natural infection (before vaccination) induces more neutralizing antibodies percentage than immunized individuals without prior COVID-19 (p < 0.01). No patient had vaccine-severe adverse effects. The age, antidepressant, and immunosuppressive treatments, reactogenicity, and history of COVID-19 are associated with impaired antibody production. The anti-Ad5 antibodies increased after 21 days of post-vaccination in all groups (p < 0.01). We recommend the application of a booster dose of Ad5-nCoV, especially for those individuals without previous COVID-19 infection. Finally, the induction of anti-Ad5 antibodies after vaccination should be considered if a booster with the same vaccine is planned.
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Xiang Y, Wong KCY, So HC. Exploring Drugs and Vaccines Associated with Altered Risks and Severity of COVID-19: A UK Biobank Cohort Study of All ATC Level-4 Drug Categories Reveals Repositioning Opportunities. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1514. [PMID: 34575590 PMCID: PMC8471264 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective therapies for COVID-19 are still lacking, and drug repositioning is a promising approach to address this problem. Here, we adopted a medical informatics approach to repositioning. We leveraged a large prospective cohort, the UK-Biobank (UKBB, N ~ 397,000), and studied associations of prior use of all level-4 ATC drug categories (N = 819, including vaccines) with COVID-19 diagnosis and severity. Effects of drugs on the risk of infection, disease severity, and mortality were investigated separately. Logistic regression was conducted, controlling for main confounders. We observed strong and highly consistent protective associations with statins. Many top-listed protective drugs were also cardiovascular medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), calcium channel blocker (CCB), and beta-blockers. Some other drugs showing protective associations included biguanides (metformin), estrogens, thyroid hormones, proton pump inhibitors, and testosterone-5-alpha reductase inhibitors, among others. We also observed protective associations by influenza, pneumococcal, and several other vaccines. Subgroup and interaction analyses were also conducted, which revealed differences in protective effects in various subgroups. For example, protective effects of flu/pneumococcal vaccines were weaker in obese individuals, while protection by statins was stronger in cardiovascular patients. To conclude, our analysis revealed many drug repositioning candidates, for example several cardiovascular medications. Further studies are required for validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xiang
- Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China; (Y.X.); (K.C.-Y.W.)
| | - Kenneth Chi-Yin Wong
- Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China; (Y.X.); (K.C.-Y.W.)
| | - Hon-Cheong So
- Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China; (Y.X.); (K.C.-Y.W.)
- KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research of Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
- CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518172, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
- Margaret K.L. Cheung Research Centre for Management of Parkinsonism, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
- Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
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11
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Nasonov EL. 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): contribution of rheumatology. TERAPEVT ARKH 2021; 93:71504. [DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2021.05.200799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic become a major challenge for humanity and a unique opportunity to get an idea of the real achievements of modern biology and medicine. In the course of the pandemic, a large number of new fundamental and medical issues have been revealed regarding the relationship between viral infection and many common chronic non-infectious diseases, among which immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRD) occupy an important position. It is now well known that SARS-CoV-2 infection is accompanied by a wide range of extrapulmonary clinical and laboratory disorders, some of which are characteristic of IMRD and other autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases in humans. The most severe consequence of alterations in regulation of the immunity in COVID-19 and IMRD is the so-called cytokine storm syndrome, which is defined as COVID-19-associated hyperinflammatory syndrome in COVID-19, and as macrophage activation syndrome in IMRD. The COVID-19-associated hyperinflammatory syndrome was used as a reason for drug repurposing and off-label use of a wide range of anti-inflammatory drugs, which have been specially developed for the treatment of IMRD over the past 20 years. Common immunopathological mechanisms and approaches to pharmacotherapy in COVID-19 and IMRD determined the unique place of rheumatology among medical specialties contributing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The article provides the basic provisions of the International and National Association of Rheumatologists and the Association of Rheumatologists of Russia (ARR) recommendations for management of patients with IMRD during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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