Vaccination in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Racial, Ethnic, and Geographic Disparities in Immunization Rates Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background and Aims

Racial and ethnic disparities exist in the treatment of IBD. These disparities exist in adult vaccine uptake among the general population and may extend to patients with IBD. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether racial, ethnic, or geographic disparities existed in influenza vaccine uptake among patients with IBD.

Methods

We performed a multicenter, retrospective cohort study evaluating adult vaccine uptake among patients with IBD seen at two tertiary referral centers between September 2019 and February 2020. The primary outcome was to determine if racial/ethnic and geographic disparities existed in influenza vaccine uptake for the two prior seasons. Our secondary outcomes were to determine if disparities existed for pneumococcal, zoster, or hepatitis B vaccines.

Results

Among the 2453 patients who met the inclusion criteria, most identified as non-Hispanic White (89.9%), were on immunosuppressive therapy (74.5%), and received the influenza vaccine in both seasons (56.0%). Older age (prevalence ratio (PR) 0.98; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 0.98-0.99; P < .001) and non-Hispanic White patients (PR 0.76, 95%CI 0.59-0.98, P < 0.03) were significantly more likely to be immunized. Black patients (PR 1.37; 95%CI 1.18-1.59; P < .001) and those living in underserved geographic areas (PR 1.35; 95%CI 1.17-1.56; P < 0.001) were less likely to be immunized. Racial/ethnic and geographic disparities were identified for pneumococcal, zoster, and hepatitis B vaccine uptake.

Conclusions

Racial and ethnic vaccination uptake disparities exist among patients with IBD; patients from medically underserved areas are also vulnerable to these disparities Studies identifying patient, provider, and system-level opportunities to address these disparities are needed.

Economic and Clinical Burden of Herpes Zoster Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the United States

Background

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) are at increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ); however, relevant cost and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) data are limited.

Methods

We estimated HCRU (hospitalization, emergency department [ED], and outpatient visits) and costs in patients with UC or CD, with and without HZ, using administrative claims data (October 2015-February 2020). HCRU and costs (2020 US dollars) were compared at 1 month, 1 quarter, and 1 year after the index date, using propensity score adjustment and generalized linear models.

Results

In total, 20 948 patients were included: UC+/HZ+ (n = 431), UC+/HZ- (n = 10 285), CD+/HZ+ (n = 435), and CD+/HZ- (n = 9797). Patients with HZ had higher all-cause HCRU rates and all-cause total healthcare costs relative to those without HZ. In the first month, adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) for hospitalizations and ED visits for patients with UC and HZ compared with UC alone were 2.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.93-4.27) and 2.66 (95% CI,1.74-4.05), respectively; for those with CD and HZ, aIRRs were 3.34 (95% CI, 2.38-4.70) and 3.31 (95% CI, 2.32-4.71), respectively, compared with CD alone (all P < .001). Adjusted cost differences in UC and CD cohorts with HZ over the first month were $2189 and $3774, respectively, chiefly driven by higher inpatient costs. The incremental impact on HCRU and costs in cohorts with HZ predominantly occurred during the first quarter following diagnosis.

Conclusions

HZ is associated with increased HCRU and costs in patients with UC and CD, especially shortly after diagnosis.

Reduced antiviral seropositivity among patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with immunosuppressive agents

BACKGROUND

Although live-attenuated vaccines are contraindicated under immunosuppression, the immune status of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been fully assessed prior to immunosuppressive therapy.

AIMS

To investigate antiviral serostatus against viruses requiring live vaccines for prevention in IBD patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

METHODS

This multicenter study included IBD patients who were aged <40 years and were treated with thiopurine monotherapy, molecular-targeted monotherapy, or combination therapy. Gender- and age-matched healthy subjects (HS) living in the same areas were included as control group. Antibody titers against measles, rubella, mumps, and varicella were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

A total of 437 IBD patients (163 ulcerative colitis [UC] and 274 Crohn's disease [CD]) and 225 HS were included in the final analysis. Compared with HS, IBD patients had lower seropositivity rates for measles (IBD vs. HS = 83.91% vs. 85.33%), rubella (77.55% vs. 84.89%), mumps (37.50% vs. 37.78%), and varicella (91.26% vs. 96.44%). Gender- and age-adjusted seropositivity rates were lower in UC patients than in both CD patients and HS for measles (UC, CD, and HS = 81.60%, 85.29%, and 85.33%), rubella (76.40%, 78.23%, and 84.89%), mumps (27.16%, 43.70%, and 37.78%), and varicella (90.80%, 91.54%, and 96.44%); the difference was significant for all viruses except measles. Divided by the degree of immunosuppression, there were no significant differences in seropositivity rates among IBD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

IBD patients, especially those with UC, exhibit reduced seropositivity rates and may benefit from screening prior to the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy.

Recommendations of the Spanish Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis on the importance, screening and vaccination in inflammatory bowel disease patients

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may require different immunosuppressive treatments throughout their illness. It is essential to assess the immunization status of patients at diagnosis or, if this is not possible, at least before the beginning of immunosuppressive therapy and, subsequently, administering the appropriate vaccines. Therefore, the aim of this work is to establish clear and concise recommendations on vaccination in patients with IBD in the different settings of our clinical practice including vaccination in children, during pregnancy, breastfeeding or on trips. This consensus document emphasises the differences between inactivated and attenuated vaccines and the different degrees of immunosuppression and correlates them with the administration of both mandatory and optional vaccines recommended to our patients with IBD. Finally, as a summary, 17 recommendations are established based on the available scientific evidence and expert opinion. A multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in IBD and vaccination, made up of specialists in gastroenterology, paediatrics, nursing and pharmacy, has participated in the preparation of these recommendations of the Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Vaccination strategies for Korean patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are vulnerable to vaccine-preventable infectious diseases. Immunosuppressive drugs, which are often used to manage IBD, may increase this vulnerability and attenuate vaccine efficacy. Thus, healthcare providers should understand infectious diseases and schedule vaccinations for them to reduce the infection-related burden of patients with IBD. All patients with IBD should be assessed in terms of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases at the time of IBD diagnosis, and be vaccinated appropriately. Vaccination is becoming more important because of the unprecedented coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global health crisis. This review focuses on recent updates to vaccination strategies for Korean patients with IBD.

New Pneumococcal Vaccines for Prevention of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Adult Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a high risk of developing invasive pneumococcal infection both before and after they are diagnosed. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now endorses use of 2 new pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, PCV15 (Vaxneuvance) and PCV20 (Prevnar 20), for patients who have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or those with unknown vaccination history. Previous studies have shown that pneumococcal vaccination can decrease the risk of developing severe pneumococcal disease; therefore, it is important that patients with IBD receive pneumococcal vaccination. This report aims to inform clinicians who care for patients with IBD about the changes in immunization practices, as it pertains to pneumococcal vaccination and provides appropriate direction on administering vaccination series.

Humoral Immunogenicity of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Healthy Controls

INTRODUCTION

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on immune-modifying therapies may have a lower vaccine response to certain vaccines. The aim of our study was to evaluate humoral immunogenicity of mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines among patients with IBD and healthy controls (HCs).

METHODS

We performed a prospective study to evaluate humoral immunogenicity among patients with IBD and HCs after completion of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-two patients with IBD and 60 HCs were enrolled. All HCs and 97% of patients with IBD developed antibodies. Antibody concentrations were lower in patients with IBD compared with those in HCs (median 31 vs 118 μg/mL; P < 0.001). Those who received the mRNA-1273 (Moderna) COVID-19 (median 38; interquartile range [IQR] 24-75 vs μg/mL) had higher antibody concentrations compared with those who received the Pfizer-BNT vaccine series (median 22; IQR 11-42 μg/mL; P < 0.001). Patients on immune-modifying therapy (median 26; IQR 13-50 μg/mL) had lower antibody concentrations compared with those who were on no treatment, aminosalicylates, or vedolizumab (median 59; IQR 31-75 μg/mL; P = 0.003).

DISCUSSION

Almost all patients with IBD in our study mounted an antibody response. Future studies are needed in evaluating sustained humoral immunity and the impact of booster dosing in patients with IBD.

Health Maintenance for Adult Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review serves as a summary of healthcare maintenance items that should be addressed when managing patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This manuscript discusses vaccine-preventable illnesses, cancer prevention recommendations, and other screenings that are important to gastroenterologists and primary care physicians caring for patients with IBD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients with IBD often require immunomodulator agents and/or biologics to induce and maintain disease remission which can increase the risk of developing several infections. Also, subsets of patients with IBD are at an increased risk for a number of malignancies including colon, cervical, and skin cancers.

SUMMARY

Staying up-to-date with health care maintenance of patients with IBD is critical, especially given their increased risk for vaccine-preventable infections as well as comorbidities such as cancers, bone health, and mood disorders. Gastroenterologists and primary care physicians should familiarize themselves with the required screenings and vaccines that are recommended for adult patients with IBD, particularly those who are immunosuppressed.