B Cell Reconstitution is Associated With COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Responsiveness in Patients Previously Seronegative Treated With Rituximab
Authors' conclusion
Detectable B cells and longer time from last RTX exposure were associated with the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies following the booster vaccine.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases treated with rituximab (RTX), seronegative after the initial SARS-CoV-2 vaccine series, who then received an mRNA vaccine boosterpreviously seronegative
- Participants
- 31 patients
- Exposure
- Seroconverters vs nonseroconverters after mRNA booster
- Outcome
- Serologic response ≥ 4 weeks after the booster
- Follow-up
- ≥ 4 weeks after the booster
Methodological detailsretrospective chart review
- Retrospective chart review
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Seroconversion following booster
Seroconverted following a booster
68%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Days from last RTX dose
Median
| Outcome | Seroconverters | Nonseroconverters |
|---|---|---|
| B cell reconstitution | 1.79 (IQR 0.65–3.00) | 0 (IQR 0–0) |
- Prediction of serologic response to mRNA booster: B cell presence PPV 90.9% (95% CI 70.8-98.9) · NPV 100% (95% CI 59-100)
- Prediction of serologic response to mRNA booster: Time ≥ 6 months from last RTX dose to booster PPV 78.3% (95% CI 56.3-92.5) · NPV 62.5% (95% CI 24.5-91.5)
B cell reconstitution
- Significantly different between positive and negative responders
Days from last RTX dose
- Statistically different
Demographic characteristics
- Not associated with serologic positivity
Original publication
B Cell Reconstitution is Associated With COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Responsiveness in Patients Previously Seronegative Treated With Rituximab. J Rheumatol. Published 15 December 2022. doi:10.
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