International Journal of Public Health (Nov 2024)

Safety and Efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Patients With Chronic Liver Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

  • Guanglin Xiao,
  • Taiyu He,
  • Biqiong Zhang,
  • Ziqiao Yang,
  • Ning Ling,
  • Min Chen,
  • Dazhi Zhang,
  • Peng Hu,
  • Gaoli Zhang,
  • Mingli Peng,
  • Dachuan Cai,
  • Hong Ren

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2024.1605295
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 69

Abstract

Read online

ObjectivesThis review aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD).MethodsCochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from 2020 to 2024. Data was extracted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The random-effects model (when I2 ≥ 50%) or fixed effect model (I2 < 50%) was used.Results29 studies were included in this review. Compared to healthy controls (HCs), patients with CLD had a higher incidence of mild adverse events (RR = 1.60, p < 0.001), while the incidence of severe adverse events was similar (RR = 1.08, p = 0.92). Seropositivity rates of three antibodies in patients were lower than in HCs [neutralizing antibody (RR = 0.86, p = 0.002), anti-spike antibody (RR = 0.97, p = 0.06) and anti-receptor binding domain antibody (RR = 0.95, p = 0.04)]. Compared to unvaccinated patients, vaccinated patients had lower rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization and death (p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionSARS-CoV-2 vaccines showed good safety and efficacy in CLD patients, but antibody response appeared to be decreased. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and booster doses should be given priority in this vulnerable population.

Keywords