Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2018 | Research article
The safety of live-attenuated vaccines in patients using IL-1 or IL-6 blockade: an international survey
Authors:
Jerold Jeyaratnam, Nienke M. ter Haar, Helen J. Lachmann, Ozgur Kasapcopur, Amanda K. Ombrello, Donato Rigante, Fatma Dedeoglu, Ezgi H. Baris, Sebastiaan J. Vastert, Nico M. Wulffraat, Joost Frenkel
Published in:
Pediatric Rheumatology
|
Issue 1/2018
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Abstract
Background
Withholding live-attenuated vaccines in patients using interleukin (IL)-1 or IL-6 blocking agents is recommended by guidelines for both pediatric and adult rheumatic diseases, since there is a risk of infection in an immune suppressed host. However, this has never been studied. This retrospective, multicenter survey aimed to evaluate the safety of live-attenuated vaccines in patients using IL-1 or IL-6 blockade.
Methods
We contacted physicians involved in the treatment of autoinflammatory diseases to investigate potential cases. Patients were included if a live-attenuated vaccine had been administered while they were on IL-1 or IL-6 blockade.
Results
Seventeen patients were included in this survey (7 systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA), 5 cryopyrin associated periodic syndrome (CAPS), 4 mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD) and 1 familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Three patients experienced an adverse event, of which two were serious adverse events (a varicella zoster infection after varicella zoster booster vaccination, and a pneumonia after MMR booster). One additional patient had diarrhea after oral polio vaccine. Further, seven patients experienced a flare of their disease, which were generally mild. Eight patients did not experience an adverse event or a flare.
Conclusion
We have described a case series of seventeen patients who received a live-attenuated vaccine while using IL-1 or IL-6 blocking medication. The findings of this survey are not a reason to adapt the existing guidelines. Prospective trials are needed in order to acquire more evidence about the safety and efficacy before considering adaptation of guidelines.