Vaccinations in paediatric rheumatology: an update on current developments

Noortje Groot1, Marloes W Heijstek, Nico M Wulffraat

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Wilhemina Children's Hospital/University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU), PO-box 85090, 3508 AB, Utrecht, The Netherlands, n.groot@erasmusmc.nl.

Insights

Vaccinations are safe and immunogenic for children with rheumatic diseases. Despite potential waning antibody levels, especially with biologicals, booster vaccinations are recommended to ensure adequate protection.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) published vaccination recommendations for children with rheumatic diseases in 2011.
  • The evidence base on vaccination safety and immunogenicity in this population has significantly expanded since 2011.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated systematic literature review on the safety and immunogenicity of vaccines in pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases.
  • To summarize current evidence and strengthen the existing EULAR recommendations.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a systematic literature search, identifying 21 new articles.
  • Included 27 articles from the 2011 review for a comprehensive analysis.

Main Results:

  • Vaccines are generally safe and immunogenic in children with rheumatic diseases.
  • Immunosuppressive drugs like glucocorticosteroids and methotrexate did not detrimentally affect vaccine immunogenicity.
  • Biologicals may lead to faster waning of antibody levels, but initial protection is typically adequate.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced persistence of immunological memory in children with rheumatic diseases necessitates booster vaccinations.
  • The updated evidence supports advocating for vaccinations in patients with rheumatic diseases.

Related Concept Videos

Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
54.6K
Vaccines01:21

Vaccines

Vaccines are among the most effective tools in preventive medicine, designed to prepare the immune system to recognize and combat infectious agents. By introducing antigens—substances that the immune system identifies as foreign—vaccines stimulate an adaptive immune response that leads to immunological memory. This immunological memory enables the body to mount a faster and more effective response upon future exposures to the actual pathogen.Vaccines can be categorized based on the...
53
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
520
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
1.4K
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
388
Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management01:20

Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management

AssessmentA comprehensive assessment is essential in managing a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Begin with obtaining a detailed medical history, including recent streptococcal infections, a history of rheumatic fever, or previously diagnosed rheumatic heart disease. Assess the patient for symptoms such as fever, chest pain, widespread joint pain (arthralgia), tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs, peripheral edema, subcutaneous nodules, and...
462