Publication date: Jan 10, 2025
Objectives: Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has been vital in alleviating the spread of the recent pandemic. We aimed to estimate the frequency and type of adverse events related to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with lupus nephritis (LN), and assess its impact, if any, on the risk of subsequent reactivation of nephritis. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter study which included patients with biopsy-proven LN, who had received at least one vaccine dose. Patients who ended up with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) prior to vaccination or were diagnosed with LN after vaccination were excluded. Adverse events, systemic or local, COVID-19 outcomes (full recovery, death, or long COVID-19), outcome of LN (remission, refractory disease, relapse, ESKD or death), demographics, laboratory measurements, and immunosuppressive regimens were recorded. Results: Sixty-seven patients were included. The median age was 33 (20-46) years. Induction therapy for LN was administered to 92. 5% of patients and 74. 6% received maintenance therapy. Of these, 94. 02% were in remission at vaccination. The BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine was administered in 97. 01% of cases, with mild systemic adverse symptoms in 28. 35% (myalgias 17. 91%, headache 13. 43%, arthralgias 13. 43%, and fever 10. 44%) and local adverse effects in 35. 82% (pain 25. 37%, swelling 13. 43%). Overall, among patients in remission upon vaccination, two (3. 17%) experienced a LN relapse within 5. 75 (+/-0. 25) months, while 75% of those with active disease at vaccination achieved remission within 21 (+/-2) months. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 vaccination appears safe for LN patients without serious adverse events occurring, and there is no significant impact in the clinical course of the disease.
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| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Biopsy | adverse events |
| Bnt162b2 | lupus nephritis |
| Death | relapse |
| Vaccine | SARS-CoV-2 vaccination |