Objectives: Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) present an increased risk of infection. Here, we present the concept of a preventive consultation called ImmunoStart and the first results of its implementation in the care pathway of patients with IMID.
Methods: Relevant information about vaccination history, tuberculosis exposure and other infectious risks were collected through blood sampling, complete anamnesis, chest X-ray and Mantoux test. During the ImmunoStart consultation, vaccination schedules, specific treatments and risk considerations were discussed.
Results: Between October 2016 and February 2020, 437 patients were seen at an ImmunoStart consultation, mainly referred by rheumatologists (56%), dermatologists (25%) and gastroenterologists (18%). A total of 421 (96%) patients needed at least one vaccine (a mean of 3.3 vaccines per patient). Live attenuated vaccine was indicated for 45 patients (10%), requiring them to reduce or interrupt their immunosuppressive drug(s). Ninety-two patients (21%) were treated for latent tuberculosis infection.
Conclusion: This preventive consultation provides a centralized and systematic setting for the direct management of patients with IMID in need of vaccination, treatment of latent disease and specific advice regarding their immunomodulating treatments.
Keywords: immune-mediated inflammatory disease; immunosuppression; latent; prevention; screening; vaccination.
© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology.