AB1191 SAFETY PROFILE OF COVID VACCINES IN ARTHRITIS PATIENTS. A TWO-CENTERS STUDY.

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus 19 disease (COVID-19) represents the most important pandemic of the last century. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has produced more than 170 million cases and more than 3 million deaths. Due to the easy spread of the infection and the possibility of serious clinical manifestations, the role of anti-COVID 19 vaccination is essential. Vaccines with different mechanisms of action have been developed: mRNA-based, such as Biontech-Pfzer and Moderna, and viral vectored, such as AstraZeneca and Janssen. Despite possible adverse events, benefts afforded by these vaccines signifcantly outweigh potential risks associated with their administration in the general population. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs), secondary to vaccination, in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and Spondyloarthritis (SpA), immune-mediated diseases treated with immunomodulating drugs, by administering a questionnaire. Methods: 294 patients (201 f and 93 m) were enrolled with a diagnosis of arthritis (RA 28%, PsA 43%, SpA 28%). Results: Of the 294 enrolled patients, 107 underwent COVID vaccination, 73% with Biontech-Pfzer vaccine, 20% Astrazeneca and 6% Moderna. 50% of patients completed the entire vaccination cycle. 46% of patients presented AEs after the frst dose of vaccine (45% of vaccinated with Biontech-Pfzer; 48% of vaccinated with Astrazeneca, 33% of vaccinated with Moderna). The most frequently observed AEs are: pain at the injection site (17%), fever (13%), headache (12%), myalgia (12%), fatigue (7.5%). Only 2.9% of patients had arthritis fares. The greatest trend of AEs was observed in patients with PsA (48%), and RA (26%). 32% of patients receiving the second dose of vaccine presented AEs (40% Moderna, 32% Biontech-Pfzer). The most frequently observed AEs after the second dose are: pain at the injection site (4.7%), fever (9%), headache (2.8%), myalgia (6%). No patient had arthritis fare after the second dose. The greatest trend of AEs was observed in patients with SpA (66%). Only 11% of patients presented AEs after the administration of both doses. Thirteen percent of patients did not follow the clinician's recommendations for immunomodulatory drug management, provided as per ACR or SIR recommendations. Conclusion: The incidence of adverse events in arthritis patients was in line with that of the general population, without presenting serious manifestations, such as thrombosis, and without indicating a preference on the type of vaccine.