The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Real-World Coverage With Influenza, Pneumococcal, and Herpes Zoster Vaccines Among Patients With Rheumatic Diseases in a Nationwide Healthcare Plan

OBJECTIVE

Vaccination against preventable infections is important for the management of rheumatic diseases (RDs). This study assessed the vaccination coverage and predictors among patients with RDs using real-world data from Israel.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study, based on a Maccabi Healthcare Services database, included adult patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as of April 30, 2019. Age-specific vaccination coverage for influenza (past year), pneumococcal (23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine [PPSV23] and/or 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine [PCV13]), and live-attenuated herpes zoster (HZ) vaccines (past 5 years) was reported. Logistic regression was used to investigate predictors of vaccination.

RESULTS

The study included 14,528 patients (RA: n = 6932; PsA: n = 4395; SLE: n = 1951; > 1 condition: n = 1250). Influenza vaccine coverage among patients with RA, PsA, and SLE was 45.1%, 36.2%, and 33.7%, respectively. For PPSV23, corresponding rates were 19.6%, 16.2%, and 12.6%, respectively. In the elderly population (≥ 65 years), 63.2% had influenza vaccine in the past year and 83.4% had a PPSV23 vaccine in the past 5 years or at age ≥ 65. For PCV13 and HZ, coverage in the overall study population was low at 4.8% and 3.6%, respectively. Central residence and treatment with corticosteroids and biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs within the past 5 years were significant predictors of vaccination coverage across all vaccines (P < 0.05). Other predictors varied by vaccine, including female sex (influenza, PPSV23, PCV13), age (influenza, PPSV23), chronic comorbidities (influenza, PPSV23, PCV13), shorter disease duration (PCV13), and high socioeconomic status (PCV13, HZ).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated suboptimal coverage of influenza, pneumococcal, and HZ vaccination in patients with RA, PsA, and SLE, in particular among younger adults in Israel.

Patterns and factors associated with pneumococcal vaccination in a prospective cohort of 1,697 patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk for serious infections. Pneumococcal vaccination is among the most important preventive measures, however, vaccine uptake is suboptimal. We explored the rate and factors associated with pneumococcal vaccination in a contemporary RA cohort.

Materials and methods

Multi-center, prospective, RA cohort study in Greece. Patient and disease characteristics and influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations were documented at baseline and 3 years later.

Results

One thousand six hundred and ninety-seven patients were included and 34.5% had already received at least one pneumococcal vaccine at baseline. Among 1,111 non-vaccinated patients, 40.1% received pneumococcal vaccination during follow-up, increasing the vaccine coverage to 60.8%. By multivariate analysis, positive predictors for pneumococcal vaccination included prescription of influenza vaccine (OR = 33.35, 95% CI: 18.58-59.85), history of cancer (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.09-5.06), bDMARD use (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.29-2.65), seropositivity (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.05-2.05), and high disease activity (DAS28-ESR, OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.17-1.51). Male sex (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43-0.99) was a negative predictor for pneumococcal vaccination during follow-up.

Discussion

Despite increasing rates of pneumococcal vaccine coverage, 40% of RA patients remain unvaccinated. Severe disease, bDMARD use, comorbidities, and more importantly flu vaccination were the most significant factors associated with pneumococcal vaccination, emphasizing the currently unmet need for cultivating a "vaccination culture" in RA patients.

Drug treatment algorithm and recommendations from the 2020 update of the Japan College of Rheumatology clinical practice guidelines for the management of rheumatoid arthritis-secondary publication

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to update the Japan College of Rheumatology (JCR) clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA; JCR CPG for RA) according to recent changes in the medical environment in Japan. This article is a digest version of the guidance.

METHODS

We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method to update the 2014 JCR CPG for RA. A consensus was formed by CPG panel members.

RESULTS

We identified 36 important clinical questions regarding drug treatment and developed corresponding recommendations for RA. The recommendations included the following RA medications: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, anti-receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand antibodies, and Janus kinase inhibitors, as well as the tapering and discontinuation of these medications. Recommendations regarding the efficacy and safety of treatments in the elderly and patients with comorbidities were also developed. Finally, we used these recommendations to create an original algorithm for drug treatment for RA based on the Treat-to-Target approach.

CONCLUSION

The 2020 JCR CPG for RA provides a useful tool for rheumatologists, health care professionals, and patients with RA, enabling shared decision-making in a variety of clinical situations.

Management of progressive pulmonary fibrosis associated with connective tissue disease

INTRODUCTION

: Fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent and severe complication of connective tissue disease (CTD).

AREAS COVERED

: In this narrative review, we update the most relevant differential characteristics of fibrotic ILD associated with CTD (CTD-ILD) and propose a diagnostic and therapeutic approach based on a review of the articles published between 2002 and 2022 through PubMed.

EXPERT OPINION

: The subset of ILD, mainly the radiological/histological pattern and the degree of fibrotic component, usually determines the prognosis and therapeutic strategy for these patients. Some patients with CTD-ILD can develop progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) with severe deterioration of lung function, rapid progression to chronic respiratory failure, and high mortality. PPF has been described in many CTDs, mainly in systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, and requires a multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach to improve patient outcomes.

A phase 3, multicenter, single-arm, open-label study to assess the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a single dose of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Japanese participants aged 6-64 years who are considered to be at increased risk of pneumococcal disease and who are naive to pneumococcal vaccines

BACKGROUND

This open-label, single-arm, phase 3 study evaluated safety and immunogenicity of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in pneumococcal vaccine-naive Japanese individuals aged 6-64 years at increased risk of pneumococcal disease (PD).

METHODS

Participants received 1 PCV13 dose. Reactogenicity events were recorded for 7 days (individuals aged 6- to 17-year-old) or 14 days (individuals aged 18 to 64 years old) postvaccination. Adverse events (AEs) were collected for 1 month postvaccination. Opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) and anticapsular immunoglobulin G (IgG) geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) were measured for vaccine serotypes before and 1 month postvaccination. Post hoc analyses compared immunogenicity in participants categorized as at-risk (immunocompetent but having chronic medical conditions associated with increased PD risk) or high-risk (immunocompromised due to diseases/conditions and/or medications).

RESULTS

206 participants aged 6- to 17-year-old (n = 53) and 18 to 64 years old (n = 153) completed the study. Reactogenicity events were generally mild to moderate in severity. AEs were reported in 16% (33/206) of participants; 1.0% (2/206) were severe. Six AEs were vaccine-related; most were associated with local reactions. No serious AEs occurred. Circulating antibody levels for all 13 serotypes increased postvaccination. OPA geometric mean fold rises (GMFRs) from prevaccination to 1 month postvaccination were 5.5-61.7; lower limits of the 2-sided, 95% CI were > 1 for all serotypes. IgG GMFRs were consistent with OPA analyses. In post hoc analyses, 55.8% (115/206) and 44.2% (91/206) of participants were categorized as at risk and at high risk of PD, respectively; OPA GMFRs from prevaccination to 1 month postvaccination were 3.9-635.1, with lower limits of the 2-sided 95% CIs > 1 for all 13 serotypes across these risk groups; IgG GMFRs were consistent with OPA analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

PCV13 was well tolerated and immunogenic in Japanese individuals aged 6-64 years considered at increased risk of PD. Results were broadly comparable with past PCV13 studies in other Japanese and non-Japanese populations. Registration number: NCT03571607; JapicCTI-184024.

Rheuma und Impfen

Patienten mit rheumatischen Erkrankungen sind durch Infektionen besonders gefährdet. Impfungen sind geeignet, dieses Risiko zu vermindern. Aktuelle Empfehlungen nationaler (STIKO und Wagner et al.) sowie internationaler Gremien (EULAR) stellen eine Basis für die sichere und effektive Anwendung von Impfungen dar. Wichtige neue Entwicklungen, wie die sequenzielle Impfung gegen Pneumokokken oder die Zulassung eines Impfstoffs gegen Herpes Zoster, verbessern die Möglichkeiten eines effektiven Infektionsschutzes. Besonders zu beachten sind die aktuellen Empfehlungen zur Anwendung von Lebendimpfstoffen wie der MMR-Impfung bei Patienten unter immunsuppressiver Therapie.

Incidence, risk factors and validation of the RABBIT score for serious infections in a cohort of 1557 patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Predicting serious infections (SI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is crucial for the implementation of appropriate preventive measures. Here we aimed to identify risk factors for SI and to validate the RA Observation of Biologic Therapy (RABBIT) risk score in real-life settings.

METHODS

A multi-centre, prospective, RA cohort study in Greece. Demographics, disease characteristics, treatments and comorbidities were documented at first evaluation and one year later. The incidence of SI was recorded and compared with the expected SI rate using the RABBIT risk score.

RESULTS

A total of 1557 RA patients were included. During follow-up, 38 SI were recorded [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 2.3/100 patient-years]. Patients who developed SI had longer disease duration, higher HAQ at first evaluation and were more likely to have a history of previous SI, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. By multivariate analysis, longer disease duration (IRR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.005, 1.1), history of previous SI (IRR: 4.15; 95% CI: 1.7, 10.1), diabetes (IRR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.06, 6.14), chronic lung disease (IRR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.35, 7.27) and daily prednisolone dose ≥10 mg (IRR: 4.77; 95% CI: 1.47, 15.5) were independent risk factors for SI. Using the RABBIT risk score in 1359 patients, the expected SI incidence rate was 1.71/100 patient-years, not different from the observed (1.91/100 patient-years; P = 0.97).

CONCLUSION

In this large real-life, prospective study of RA patients, the incidence of SI was 2.3/100 patient-years. Longer disease duration, history of previous SI, comorbidities and high glucocorticoid dose were independently associated with SI. The RABBIT score accurately predicted SI in our cohort.

Efficacy and effectiveness of a 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine against invasive and noninvasive pneumococcal disease and related outcomes: a review of available evidence

Introduction: Routine pneumococcal vaccination for adults aged ≥60 or ≥65 years and those with underlying at-risk and high-risk conditions is recommended in many countries. However, studies estimating the effectiveness of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) have revealed mixed results, partly due to variability in study design and endpoints used to assess outcomes.Areas covered: The authors conducted a literature review of independently randomized trials and real-world studies published from 2010 to 2020 that assessed the effectiveness and efficacy of PPSV23 against vaccine-type or any-serotype invasive and noninvasive pneumococcal disease in adults aged ≥60 years. The authors also evaluated differences in study design that may contribute to the heterogeneity of available evidence.Expert opinion: Policy decisions regarding the inclusion of vaccines into national immunization plans should consider study quality and limitations. This review shows that PPSV23 is effective against vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease and vaccine-type pneumococcal pneumonia and can lower the burden of vaccine-type pneumococcal pneumonia. PPSV23-conferred protection may be lower in adults aged ≥75 years, those with certain underlying conditions, and individuals who were vaccinated >5 years before disease onset. This is an important finding that supports the benefit of PPSV23 vaccination for older adults.

Acute respiratory viral adverse events during use of antirheumatic disease therapies: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 is an acute respiratory viral infection that threatens people worldwide, including people with rheumatic disease, although it remains unclear to what extent various antirheumatic disease therapies increase susceptibility to complications of viral respiratory infections.

OBJECTIVE

The present study undertakes a scoping review of available evidence regarding the frequency and severity of acute respiratory viral adverse events related to antirheumatic disease therapies.

METHODS

Online databases were used to identify, since database inception, studies reporting primary data on acute respiratory viral infections in patients utilizing antirheumatic disease therapies. Independent reviewer pairs charted data from eligible studies using a standardized data abstraction tool.

RESULTS

A total of 180 studies were eligible for qualitative analysis. While acknowledging that the extant literature has a lack of specificity in reporting of acute viral infections or complications thereof, the data suggest that use of glucocorticoids, JAK inhibitors (especially high-dose), TNF inhibitors, and anti-IL-17 agents may be associated with an increased frequency of respiratory viral events. Available data suggest no increased frequency or risk of respiratory viral events with NSAIDs, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide, or apremilast. One large cohort study demonstrated an association with leflunomide use and increased risk of acute viral respiratory events compared to non-use.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review identified that some medication classes may confer increased risk of acute respiratory viral infections. However, definitive data are lacking and future studies should address this knowledge gap.

Rheuma und Impfen

Empfehlungen zur Impfung von Patienten mit rheumatologischen Erkrankungen Patienten mit rheumatischen Erkrankungen sind durch Infektionen besonders gefährdet. Impfungen sind geeignet, dieses Risiko zu vermindern. Aktuelle Empfehlungen nationaler (STIKO und Wagner et al.) sowie internationaler Gremien (EULAR) stellen eine Basis für die sichere und effektive Anwendung von Impfungen dar.

Wichtige neue Entwicklungen, wie die sequenzielle Impfung gegen Pneumokokken oder die Zulassung eines Impfstoffs gegen Herpes Zoster, verbessern die Möglichkeiten eines effektiven Infektionsschutzes. Besonders zu beachten sind die aktuellen Empfehlungen zur Anwendung von Lebendimpfstoffen wie der MMR-Impfung bei Patienten unter immunsuppressiver Therapie.

[Most important vaccinations in patients with rheumatological diseases and why]

Lange Zeit schienen die meisten Infektionen beherrschbar geworden zu sein. Hierzu haben besonders auch Impfungen beigetragen. In den letzten Jahren gefährden neu aufgetretene bakterielle Infektionen durch multiresistente Erreger und Virusinfektionen wie das Chikungunya-Virus, Influenzaepidemien oder aktuell auch COVID-19 die Weltbevölkerung. Dies gilt in besonderer Weise für von rheumatologischen Erkrankungen Betroffene, die oft zusätzlich einer immunsuppressiven Therapie bedürfen und damit besonders durch Infektionen gefährdet sind. Impfungen können die Betroffenen sowohl individuell wie auch durch die Erzeugung einer Herdenimmunität schützen und stellen somit ein wichtiges Instrument dar, um die Morbidität und Mortalität durch Infektionen zu vermindern. Die Kenntnis über Indikation und Anwendung der einzelnen Impfungen ist für eine konsequente Umsetzung der aktuellen Empfehlungen besonders wichtig.

The use of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for inflammatory arthritis in Korea: results of a Korean Expert Consensus

Biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) are highly effective agents for the treatment of inf lammatory arthritis; however, they also possess a potential risk for serious infection. Recently, with the rapid expansion of the bDMARDs market in Korea, reports of serious adverse events related to the agents have also increased, necessitating guidance for the use of bDMARDs. Current work entitled, "Expert consensus for the use of bDMARDs drugs for inflammatory arthritis in Korea," is the first to describe the appropriate use of bDMARDs in the management of inflammatory arthritis in Korea, with an aim to provide guidance for the local medical community to improve the quality of clinical care. Twelve consensus statements regarding the use of bDMARDs for the management of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis were generated. In this review, we provide detailed guidance on bDMARDs use based on expert consensus, including who should prescribe, the role of education, indications for use, and monitoring strategies for safety.

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.

Nutritional status as the risk factor of serious infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with severe infection in RA patients, with a particular focus on the association of the nutritional status.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 74 patients with RA (male, n = 21; female, n = 53; age 74.2 ± 12.4) admitted to our hospital between 2016 and 2017 for infection (infection group). We also recruited control RA patients (n = 222) who were matched for age, gender and disease duration, with a match ratio of 1:3 (non-infection group). The nutritional condition was assessed based on controlling nutrition status (CONUT) score, and prognostic nutritional index (PNI). The data of the infection group were obtained from the most recent visit prior to the present admission, and non-infection group from the last regular visit in 2017.Results: The respiratory tract was the most frequent site of infection. The BMI and PNI were significantly lower and the CONUT score significantly higher in the infection group than in the non-infection group. A logistic regression analysis revealed that the CONUT score, underlying lung disease and use of prednisolone and biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were independent and significant risk factors for serious infection.Conclusion: Poor nutritional status increases the risk of serious infection.

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.

Vaccines to Prevent Pneumococcal Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most frequent pathogen in community-acquired pneumonia and also causes invasive diseases like bacteremia and meningitis. Young children and elderly are especially at risk for pneumococcal diseases and are, therefore, eligible for pneumococcal vaccination in most countries. This reviews provides an overview of the current epidemiology of pneumococcal infections, history and evidence of available pneumococcal polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines, and current recommendations.

2018 update of the APLAR recommendations for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

AIM

To update recommendations based on current best evidence concerning the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), focusing particularly on the role of targeted therapies, to inform clinicians on new developments that will impact their current practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search of relevant literature from 2014 to 2016 concerning targeted therapies in RA was conducted. The RA Update Working Group evaluated the evidence and proposed updated recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach, to describe the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. Recommendations were finalized through consensus using the Delphi technique.

RESULTS

This update provides 16 RA treatment recommendations based on current best evidence and expert clinical opinion. Recommendations 1-3 deal with the use of conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The next three recommendations (4-6) cover the need for screening and management of infections and comorbid conditions prior to starting targeted therapy, while the following seven recommendations focus on use of these agents. We address choice of targeted therapy, switch, tapering and discontinuation. The last three recommendations elaborate on targeted therapy for RA in special situations such as pregnancy, cancer, and major surgery.

CONCLUSION

Rheumatoid arthritis remains a significant health problem in the Asia-Pacific region. Patients with RA can benefit from the availability of effective targeted therapies, and these updated recommendations provide clinicians with guidance on their use.

Response to pneumococcal vaccine in interstitial lung disease patients: Influence of systemic immunosuppressive treatment

BACKGROUND

Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are severe respiratory diseases, and ILD patients are treated with corticosteroid and immunosuppressive agents. However, it is unclear whether these medications influence the response of pneumococcal vaccine.

OBJECTIVES

We examined the immunogenicity of pneumococcal vaccines (PPSV23 and PCV13) in ILD patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatment.

METHODS

ILD patients who were regularly followed at the outpatient clinic were enrolled. Sera were collected before and 4-8 weeks after vaccination. Serotype-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations against pneumococcal serotype 19F were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

IgG concentrations to serotype 19F were increased in all groups in response to the vaccine. Both PCV13 and PPSV23 induced IgG concentrations in patients immunized for the first time. Response rates for the ILD group were comparable with those for the ILD group undergoing corticosteroid therapy. Only idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy had a significantly lower response.

Accuracy of composite diagnostic standards for pneumococcal pneumonia in vaccine trials

Because of a lack of gold standard diagnostics, a combination of multiple diagnostic tests, or composite diagnostic standard, has been used to measure pneumococcal pneumonia (PP) in pneumococcal vaccine trials. We estimated the accuracy of composite diagnostic standards for PP used in previous randomised controlled trials by simple formulas. A systematic literature review identified five eligible trials and all trials had used different combinations of diagnostic tests for PP. The estimated values of sensitivity and minimum specificity of composite diagnostic standards varied substantially between trials: 48.4% to 98.1% and 71.0% to 97.3%, respectively. Without standardizing the outcome measurements, pneumococcal vaccine efficacy estimates against PP are not comparable between trials and their pooled estimates are biased.

Pneumococcal vaccination in autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of the community-acquired pneumonia. The mortality rate of invasive pneumococcal infections is high. Immunocompromised patients suffering from autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRD) have a high risk for acquiring these infections. Protection against infection can be improved with vaccination. After using polysaccharide vaccines (PPV-23), in July 2013, a 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) was approved for adults. Due to its conjugate form, this vaccine is the recommended choice in pneumococcal vaccine-naive patients. PCV-13 is also recommended in patients previously receiving PPV-23. Vaccination in AIRD is very important and needs deliberate scheduling to coordinate with the immunosuppressive therapy. Here, based on international and national vaccine guidelines, we provide a current review of PPV-23 and PCV-13 vaccines for specialists following patients with AIRD.