INACTIVATED COVID-19 VACCINE CAN INDUCE REACTIVE POLYARTHRITIS IN OLDER PATIENTS: REPORT OF TWO CASES

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Rheumatology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory arthropathy often triggered by infections.
• Vaccinations, including tetanus and hepatitis B, have been linked to reactive arthritis development.
• While more common in younger individuals, post-vaccination reactive arthritis can affect older populations.

Observation:

• This report details two cases of reactive arthritis following inactivated COVID-19 vaccination (CoronaVac, Sinovac).
• Both affected individuals were over 70 years old and developed polyarthritis post-vaccination.
• Key autoantibodies (rheumatoid factor, anti-nuclear antibody) were negative in both patients.

Findings:

• The cases demonstrate a potential link between inactivated COVID-19 vaccines and reactive arthritis.
• The observed arthritis was characterized by polyarthritis in elderly patients.
• Patients showed a positive response to brief corticosteroid therapy, indicating non-resistant arthritis.

Implications:

• Healthcare providers should consider reactive arthritis in older patients presenting with joint pain post-COVID-19 vaccination.
• Further research is warranted to understand the incidence and mechanisms of vaccine-induced reactive arthritis.
• This highlights the importance of monitoring for rare adverse events following widespread vaccination campaigns.