Colchicine prophylaxis is associated with fewer gout flares after COVID-19 vaccination. Issue 8 (11th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lu, Jie; He, Yuwei; Terkeltaub, Robert; Sun, Mingshu; Ran, Zijing; Xu, Xinmiao; Wang, Can; Li, Xinde; Hu, Shuhui; Xue, Xiaomei; Yan, Fei; Zhang, Hui; Yin, Huiyong; Shi, Yongyong; Dalbeth, Nicola; Li, Changgui
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 81:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: 1189
• Page End: 1193
• Publication Date: 2022-03-11
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- gout -- vaccination; Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-222199
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: COVID-19 vaccination often triggers a constellation of transitory inflammatory symptoms. Gout is associated with several comorbidities linked to poor outcomes in COVID-19, and gout flares can be triggered by some vaccinations. We analysed the risk of gout flares in the first 3 months after COVID-19 vaccination with inactivated virus, and whether colchicine can prevent gout flares following post-COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: A clinical delivery population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Gout Clinic at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between February and October 2021. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique among follow-up patients with gout. We collected data, including vaccinations and potential risk factors, using a combination of interviews, health QR codes and medical records. Logistic regression was used to adjust for covariates. Results: We enrolled 549 gout participants (median age 39 years, 84.2% vaccinated). For the 462 patients who received COVID-19 vaccine, 203 (43.9%) developed at least one gout flare in the 3 months after vaccination. Most of these flares were experienced within 1 month after the first (99/119 (83.2%)) or second (70/115 (60.9%)) dose of vaccine. Compared with unvaccinated participants, COVID-19 vaccination was associated with higher odds of gout flare within 3 months (adjusted OR 6.02; 95% CI 3.00 to 12.08). Colchicine use was associated with 47% less likelihood of postvaccine gout flare. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination was associated with increased odds of gout flare, which developed mainly in month 1 after each vaccine dose, and was negatively associated with colchicine prophylaxis.