Evaluation of pediatric rheumatologists’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding vaccination in pediatric rheumatic diseases

Yıl 2022, , 1097 - 1102, 20.07.2022

Cüneyt Karagöl , Zahide Ekici Tekin , Serkan Coşkun , Melike Kaplan , Yaşar Topal , Bahar Çuhacı Çakır , Ahmet Ergin , Aysu Duyan Çamurdan , Banu Acar

https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1128102

Öz

Aim: Developments in diagnostic methods and advances in the treatment of pediatric rheumatic diseases (PRDs) have improved the quality of life in this patient group. However, vaccine-preventable infectious diseases are still outstanding causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients more than in healthy population. Pediatric rheumatologists play a critical role in increasing vaccination rates since they have ample opportunity to administer vaccinations. The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of pediatric rheumatologists about vaccination in rheumatic diseases.
Material and Method: Between March 2022-May 2022, an online questionnaire of 20 items was used to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of pediatric rheumatologists in Turkey with respect to vaccination.
Results: A total of 81 participants answered all survey questions completely. The ages of the study group ranged from 30 to 48 years, at a mean of 37.5±3.8 years. Most of the pediatric rheumatologists (n:76, 93.8%) were working in a tertiary pediatric hospital; 27.2% did not consider themselves primarily responsible for the vaccination of children with PRDs, and 30.9% did not refer their patients to the department that administers the vaccine either before or during immunosuppressive therapy. In addition, it was found that only 14.8% regularly questioned the vaccination history of patients at each outpatient visit. One-third of study group recommended the implementation of non-scheduled vaccines and the most recommended non-scheduled vaccine was seasonal influenza (n:48, 59.3%). The comparative analysis between pediatric rheumatology residents and staff physicians showed no statistically significant difference in the level of knowledge except in the question concerning live vaccines.
Conclusion: This study revealed that there are still serious problems in clinical practice about the vaccination of PRDs patients. For this purpose, pediatric rhematologists’ awareness and knowledge about vaccination should be increased with a special education program.

Anahtar Kelimeler

vaccination, pediatric rheumatic diseases, awareness, knowledge

Kaynakça

• Dell’Era L, Esposito S, Corona F, Principi N. Vaccination of children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases. Rheumatology 2011; 50: 1358-65.
• Toplak N, Uziel Y. Vaccination for children on biologics. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2020; 22: 1-8.
• Rubin L, Levin M, Ljungman P, et al. 2013 IDSA clinical practice guideline for vaccination of the immunocompromised host. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 58: 44-100.
• Groot N, Heijstek MW, Wulffraat NM. Vaccinations in paediatric rheumatology: an update on current developments. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2015; 17: 46.
• Heijstek MW, Ott de Bruin LM, Bijl M, et al. EULAR recommendations for vaccination in paediatric patients with rheumatic diseases. Ann Rheum Dis 2011; 70: 1704-12.
• Bizjak M, Blazina Š, Zajc Avramovič M, Markelj G, Avčin T, Toplak N. Vaccination coverage in children with rheumatic diseases. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2020; 38: 164-70.
• Castillo RD, De la Pena W, Marzan KA. Diagnosis and management of infectious complications of childhood rheumatic diseases. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2013; 15: 322-6.
• Morın Mp, Quach C, Fortın E, Chédevılle G. Vaccination coverage in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis followed at a paediatric tertiary care centre. Rheumatology 2012; 51: 2046-50.
• Mınden K, Nıewerth M, Borte M, Sıngendonk W, Haas Jp. Immunization in children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases. Z Rheumatol 2007; 66: 111-20.
• Lıma Melo JM, Pıleggı GC, Martıns DE Carvalho L, Leme Ferrıanı VP. Immunization status of children with rheumatic diseases: can the pediatric rheumatologist help to improve? Clin Exp Rheumatol 2011; 29: 427-27
• Vazhappilly S, Vanderkooi O, Benseler S, et al. Immunization status and barriers in childhood rheumatic diseases. Abstract Number: 2275 2014 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting 2014. Boston, USA.
• Heijstek MW, Kamphuis S, Armbrust W, et al. Effects of the live attenuated measles-mumps-rubella booster vaccination on disease activity in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a randomized trial. JAMA 2013; 309: 2449–56.
• Barbosa CM, Terreri MT, Rosario PO, de Moraes-Pinto MI, Silva CA, Hilario MO. Immune response and tolerability of varicella vaccine in children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus previously exposed to varicella-zoster virus. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2012; 30: 791–8.
• Sousa S, Duarte Ac, Cordeıro I et al. Efficacy and safety of vaccination in pediatric patients with systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases: a systematic review of the literature. Acta Reumatol Port 2017; 42: 8-16.
• Ranjan P, Chakrawarty A, Kumari A, Kumar J. Immunization in patients with rheumatic diseases: a practical guide for general practitioners. J Clin Diagn Res 2015; 9: 1-4.
• Furer V, Rondaan C, Heijstek MW, et al. 2019 update of EULAR recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Ann Rheum Dis 2020; 79: 39-52.
• Ogimi C, Tanaka R, Saitoh A, Oh-Ishi T. Immunogenicity of influenza vaccine in children with pediatric rheumatic diseases receiving immunosuppressive agents. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2011; 30: 208-11.