Rheumatoid Arthritis

Research data from E. Sowden and colleagues update understanding of pneumonia

Rheumatoid Arthritis Library Library Home This article was published in Respiratory Therapeutics Week, which you can subscribe to online.

"We sought to establish dual vaccination rates and significant influencing factors amongst our hospital rheumatology outpatients We audited a sample of 101 patients attending hospital rheumatology outpatient clinics on any form of disease modifying treatment by clinical questionnaire and medical record perusal. Further data were collected from the local immunisation coordinating agency and analysed by logistic regression modelling Although there was a high rate of awareness with regard to immunisation, fewer patients on major immunosuppressants were vaccinated than patients with additional clinical risk factors against influenza ( 53% vs 93%, p< 0.001) or streptococcus pneumoniae ( 28% vs 64%, p = 0.001). The presence of additional risk factors was confirmed as significant in determining vaccination status by logistic regression for both influenza ( OR 10.89, p< 0.001) and streptococcus pneumoniae ( OR 4.55, p = 0.002). The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was also found to be a significant factor for pneumococcal vaccination ( OR 5.1, p = 0.002). There was a negative trend suggesting that patients on major immunosuppressants are less likely to be immunised against pneumococcal antigen ( OR 0.35, p = 0.067) Influenza and pneumococcal immunisation is suboptimal amongst patients on current immunosuppressant treatments attending rheumatology outpatient clinics," wrote E. Sowden and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "Raising awareness amongst patients may not be sufficient to improve vaccination rates and alternative strategies such as obligatory pneumococcal vaccination prior to treatment initiation and primary care provider education need to be explored."

Sowden and colleagues published their study in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (An audit of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in rheumatology outpatients. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2007;8():58).

For additional information, contact E. Sowden, Furness General Hospital, Dept. of Rheumatol, Barrow In Furness, UK.

Publisher contact information for the journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders is: Biomedical Central Ltd., Middlesex House, 34-42 Cleveland St., London W1T 4LB, England.

Keywords: United Kingdom, Infectious Disease, Pneumonia, Pulmonology.

This article was prepared by Respiratory Therapeutics Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Respiratory Therapeutics Week via NewsRx.com.