Assessment of Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Thai Thalassemic Patients: A Prospective Study
Pornpim Tuntibundit1, Ronnarit Boonyarat2, Thidarat Pimlor2, Chinadol Wanitpongpun1, Theerin Lanamtieng1, Pisa Phiphitaporn1, Nattiya Teawtrakul1
Affiliation : 1 Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Blood transfusion center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially among high-risk groups like thalassemic patients. Vaccination is pivotal in preventing severe disease, yet limited data exists regarding the immune response post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in this population.
Objective: To evaluate the rate of antibody response after two doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and to identify factors influencing immunogenicity in patients with thalassemia.
Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted among adult thalassemic patients at Srinagarind Hospital in Thailand. Clinical risk factors, including iron overload, thalassemic genotype, use of iron chelators, and history of splenectomy, were collected and analyzed. Serum samples obtained 14 to 42 days post-second vaccine dose were tested for anti-spike IgG (IgGsp) antibodies.
Results: Out of the 70 patients studied, 65 (92.9%) exhibited a positive IgGsp antibody response. No significant clinical risk factors affecting the immune response were identified. However, there was a tendency for a history of splenectomy, the beta thalassemia group, and high serum ferritin levels (greater than 2,500 ng/mL) to correlate with a decreased antibody response (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.3, p=0.22; OR=0.5, p=0.62; and OR=0.6, p=0.62, respectively).
Conclusion: The administration of two doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine resulted in a 92.9% antibody response rate in thalassemic patients. Although no significant factors were found to diminish the antibody response, a history of splenectomy, beta thalassemia genotype, and high serum ferritin levels may potentially be associated with lower IgG response levels, warranting further investigation.
Received 31 January 2024 | Revised 23 April 2024 | Accepted 15 July 2024
DOI:10.35755/jmedassocthai.2024.S01.S37-S43
Keywords : SARS-CoV2 vaccine; Antibody response; Clinical risk factors; Thalassemia disease
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