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Better outcomes of COVID-19 in vaccinated compared to unvaccinated patients with systemic rheumatic diseases

Charalampos Papagoras1, George E Fragoulis2, Nikoleta Zioga3

  • 1First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|November 11, 2021
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 vaccination significantly improves outcomes for patients with systemic rheumatic diseases (SRDs). Vaccinated individuals experienced lower hospitalization and mortality rates compared to unvaccinated SRD patients, even with breakthrough infections.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Systemic rheumatic diseases (SRDs) can increase susceptibility to infections.
  • The efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in immunocompromised populations, such as SRD patients, requires ongoing evaluation.
  • Breakthrough COVID-19 infections in vaccinated individuals necessitate understanding their impact on vulnerable groups.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare COVID-19 outcomes in vaccinated versus unvaccinated patients with SRDs.
  • To analyze the impact of breakthrough infections on hospitalized SRD patients.
  • To assess the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in mitigating severe COVID-19 outcomes within the SRD population.

Main Methods:

  • A registry of SRD patients with COVID-19 was maintained by the Greek Rheumatology Society.
  • Data on vaccination status, SRD type, treatments, and comorbidities were collected.
  • COVID-19 outcomes including hospitalization, oxygen requirement, and mortality were compared between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.

Main Results:

  • 195 SRD patients with COVID-19 were analyzed (147 unvaccinated, 48 vaccinated).
  • Hospitalization rates were 29.3% in unvaccinated vs. 21% (partially vaccinated) and 10.3% (fully vaccinated).
  • Mortality rates were 4.1% in unvaccinated vs. 0% in partially or fully vaccinated patients.

Conclusions:

  • Vaccinated SRD patients with breakthrough COVID-19 demonstrate superior outcomes compared to unvaccinated counterparts.
  • COVID-19 vaccination offers significant protection against severe disease and death in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases.
  • These findings underscore the importance of vaccination for immunocompromised individuals, including those with SRDs.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19autoimmune diseasesvaccination

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