ImmunoStart: Preparing Patients for Immunosuppression

Overview

Journal Rheumatol Adv Pract

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialty Rheumatology

Date 2021 Dec 15

PMID 34909567

Citations 1

Authors

Charlotte Martin

Vinciane Muls

Celine Brasseur

Laurent Meric de Bellefon

Xuan-Lan Lam Hoai

Jeroen Vanderhilst

Marc Delforge

Silvana Di Romana

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) present an increased risk of infection. Here, we present the concept of a preventive consultation called ImmunoStart and the first results of its implementation in the care pathway of patients with IMID.

Methods: Relevant information about vaccination history, tuberculosis exposure and other infectious risks were collected through blood sampling, complete anamnesis, chest X-ray and Mantoux test. During the ImmunoStart consultation, vaccination schedules, specific treatments and risk considerations were discussed.

Results: Between October 2016 and February 2020, 437 patients were seen at an ImmunoStart consultation, mainly referred by rheumatologists (56%), dermatologists (25%) and gastroenterologists (18%). A total of 421 (96%) patients needed at least one vaccine (a mean of 3.3 vaccines per patient). Live attenuated vaccine was indicated for 45 patients (10%), requiring them to reduce or interrupt their immunosuppressive drug(s). Ninety-two patients (21%) were treated for latent tuberculosis infection.

Conclusion: This preventive consultation provides a centralized and systematic setting for the direct management of patients with IMID in need of vaccination, treatment of latent disease and specific advice regarding their immunomodulating treatments.

Citing Articles

Live vaccinations in dermatology for immunosuppressed patients: a narrative review.

Shan D, Chandy R, Fultz A, Sanders J, Feldman S Arch Dermatol Res. 2024; 316(3):96.

PMID: 38430244 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-02827-2.

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