Vol 58, No 1 (2024)
Research Paper
Published online: 2024-01-22

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Analysis of seroconversion following COVID-19 vaccination among multiple sclerosis patients treated with disease-modifying therapies in Poland

Aleksandra Podlecka-Piętowska1, Janusz Sierdziński2, Monika Nojszewska1, Jakub Stawicki1, Halina Bartosik-Psujek3, Beata Lech4, Małgorzata Popiel4, Adam Perenc4, Alina Kułakowska5, Agata Czarnowska5, Joanna Kulikowska5, Katarzyna Kapica-Topczewska5, Anna Jamróz-Wiśniewska6, Konrad Rejdak6, Jacek Zaborski7, Katarzyna Kubicka-Bączyk8, Natalia Niedziela8, Krzysztof Wierzbicki8, Monika Adamczyk-Sowa8, Jacek Zwiernik9, Beata Zwiernik10, Marta Milewska-Jędrzejczak11, Andrzej Głąbiński11, Elżbieta Jasińska12, Przemysław Puz13, Ewa Krzystanek13, Arkadiusz Stęposz13, Aleksandra Karuga13, Anetta Lasek-Bal13, Joanna Siuda14, Barbara Kściuk14, Anna Walawska-Hrycek14, Maja Patalong-Ogiewa14, Aleksandra Kaczmarczyk14, Katarzyna Siutka15, Waldemar Brola15, Beata Zakrzewska-Pniewska1
Pubmed: 38251955
Neurol Neurochir Pol 2024;58(1):112-119.

Abstract

Clinical rationale for the study. The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 throughout the world has highlighted the importance of vaccinations to control the pandemic and to protect people at risk for severe disease courses. Disease-modifying therapies (DMT) in multiple sclerosis (MS), whether immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive, may affect the immune response. Therefore, the question arose as to whether these vaccinations would be effective.

Aim of the study. We planned a study to assess the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines by type of therapy.

Material and methods.
Participants were recruited from 14 Polish MS centres. The data was obtained by neurologists using a questionnaire. We collected data on 353 MS patients (269 females, 84 males) who received complete primary SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. All persons with MS (PwMS) were treated with disease-modifying therapies.

Results. 305 out of 353 PwMS (86.4%) were positive for IgG Abs against SARS-CoV-2 S domain S1 Ag after vaccination. A strong immune response was noted in 129 PwMS (36.5%). The rate of seroconversion after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in PwMS who received immunomodulatory DMTs (interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate, natalizumab) was 91.5%, in PwMS receiving immune reconstruction therapy (alemtuzumab, cladribine) was 92%, and in immunosuppressive DMTs (fingolimod, ocrelizumab), the seroconversion rate was 59%.

Conclusions and clinical implications.
Our study shows that, in PwMS receiving immunomodulatory therapy, the immune response to vaccination is generally excellent. Even in immunosuppressive patients, seroconversion is satisfactory.

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