Could a Flu Vaccine Reduce Mortality in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who received an influenza vaccine were found to have significantly lower rates of mortality and morbidity, according to a study recently published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases. Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, Chun‐Ming Chen and colleagues conducted a retrospective study to determine the clinical effects of influenza vaccination in patients with RA.

The team compared data from 3,748 RA patients who received vaccinations for influenza in 2008, 2009, and 2010 to data from control matched RA patients who were not vaccinated. Researchers began following the patients 4 weeks after their vaccination and concluded evaluation at the end of influenza season each year. Efficacy of influenza vaccination was evaluated via Cox proportional hazards regression model.

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Researchers found rates of influenza vaccination in RA patients to be 14.8%, 19.8%, and 9.5% in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. Risks of hospitalization for septicemia, bacteremia or viremia and mortality were found to be significantly reduced in RA patients who received vaccination compared to those who did not (HR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.45–0.94 and HR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.39–0.97, respectively). The authors note that this effect was most profound in elderly patients.

Sources: International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, EMPR