Compared with healthy controls, patients with SLE have lower antibody levels following two doses of COVID-19 vaccines, according to a study published in Lupus. In patients with SLE post-vaccination, lower lymphocyte count and serum IgA levels were linked with lower antibody levels, possibly identifying a subgroup of patients who may be at increased risk for infection. John A. Reynolds, MRCP, PhD, and colleagues matched patients with SLE by sex, age, and ethnicity to healthy controls. Using a CE-marked combined enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detecting IgG, IgA, and IgM (IgGAM), researchers measured anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein antibodies at 4-8 weeks following the second COVID-19 vaccine. In 43 patients with SLE, antibody levels were lower than those of 40 healthy controls. No link was found between vaccine type or prior
COVID infection, antibody levels and medication, or lupus disease activity. Being in a higher anti SARS CoV-2 antibody level tertile was correlated with higher serum IgA and a higher lymphocyte count.
