Implementation and Short-term Adverse Events of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: An International Web-based Survey. (17th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ellul, Pierre; Revés, Joana; Abreu, Bárbara; Chaparro, María; Gisbert, Javier P; Allocca, Mariangela; Fiorino, Gionata; Barberio, Brigida; Zingone, Fabiana; Pisani, Anthea; Cassar, David; Michalopoulos, George; Mantzaris, Gerassimos; Koutroubakis, Ioannis; Karmiris, Konstantinos; Katsanos, Konstantinos; Ďuricova, Dana; Burisch, Johan; Madsen, Gorm Roager; Maaser, Christian; Naila, Arebi; Orfanoudaki, Eleni; Milivojevic, Vladimir; Buisson, Anthony; Avedano, Luisa; Leone, Salvo; Torres, Joana
• Is Part Of: Journal of Crohn's and colitis. Volume 16:Number 7(2022)
• Page Start: 1070
• Page End: 1078
• Publication Date: 2022-01-17
• Subjects: Inflammatory bowel disease -- COVID-19 -- SARS-CoV-2 -- vaccination; Inflammatory bowel diseases -- Periodicals; 616.344005
• DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjac010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1873-9946

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine clinical trials did not include patients with immune-mediated conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. We aimed to describe the implementation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among IBD patients, patients' concerns, and the side effect profile of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, using real-world data. Methods: An anonymous web-based self-completed survey was distributed in 36 European countries between June and July 2021. The results of the patient characteristics, concerns, vaccination status, and side effect profile were analysed. Results: In all 3272 IBD patients completed the survey, 79.6% had received at least one dose of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, and 71.7% had completed the vaccination process. Patients over 60 years old had a significantly higher rate of vaccination [ p < 0.001]. Patients' main concerns before vaccination were the possibility of having worse vaccine-related adverse events due to their IBD [24.6%], an IBD flare after vaccination [21.1%], and reduced vaccine efficacy due to IBD or associated immunosuppression [17.6%]. After the first dose of the vaccine, 72.4% had local symptoms and 51.4% had systemic symptoms [five patients had non-specified thrombosis]. Adverse events were less frequent after the second dose of the vaccine and in older patients. Only a minority of the patients were hospitalised [0.3%], needed a consultation [3.6%], or had to change IBD therapy [13.4%] after anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Conclusions: Although IBD patients raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, the implementation of vaccination in those responding to our survey was high and the adverse events were comparable to the general population, with minimal impact on their IBD.