Frontiers in Medicine (Jul 2022)

Humoral Response Following Triple Dose of mRNA Vaccines Against SARS-CoV-2 in Hemodialysis Patients: Results After 1 Year of Follow-Up

  • Eduardo Gallego-Valcarce,
  • Amir Shabaka,
  • Mariana Leon-Poo,
  • Enrique Gruss,
  • Juan Manuel Acedo-Sanz,
  • Alfredo Cordón,
  • Clara Cases-Corona,
  • Gema Fernandez-Juarez

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.927546
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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IntroductionCOVID-19 is associated with an increased mortality in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, achieving a long-lasting effective immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is essential. This study describes the humoral immune response in hemodialysis patients following three doses of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, and explores the factors associated with a sustained immune response.Materials and MethodsWe analyzed the monthly serological evolution of SARS-CoV-2 anti-S(RBD) antibodies for 1 year in 178 chronic hemodialysis patients who received three doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines. The primary outcome was sustained effective humoral response defined as anti-S(RBD) levels > 1,000 AU/ml after 4 months from the third dose. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify features associated with a sustained humoral immune response.ResultsAfter the initial two SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine doses, 77.8% of patients showed an immediate effective humoral response, decreasing to 52.5% after 4 months. Antibody levels were significantly higher in COVID-exposed patients and HBV vaccine responders. After the third dose, 97% of patients showed an effective humoral response, and remained in 91.7% after 4 months. The mean monthly rate of antibody titer decline decreased from 33 ± 14.5 to 25 ± 16.7%. Multivariate regression analysis showed that previous exposure to COVID-19 and response to HBV vaccines were associated with an effective sustained humoral immune response.ConclusionImmunization with SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines elicits an effective immediate humoral immune response in hemodialysis patients, with a progressive waning in antibody levels. A third booster dose enhances the immune response with significantly higher antibody levels and more sustained humoral immune response. COVID-naïve patients and patients without previous response to HBV vaccines are likely to benefit from receiving more booster doses to maintain an effective immune response.

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