COVID-19 and Vaccination Status in Lysosomal Storage Diseases: A Single-Center Experience

Turk Arch Pediatr. 2023 May;58(3):262-267. doi: 10.5152/TurkArchPediatr.2023.22233.

Abstract

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes significant morbidity and mortality in individuals with chronic disease. There is not enough information about the course of coronavirus disease in lysosomal storage diseases. This study aimed to evaluate coronavirus disease vaccination status and the impact of coronavirus disease on lysosomal storage disease.

Materials and methods: The study included 87 lysosomal storage disease patients. The patients' diagnoses were Gaucher, mucopolysaccharidosis I, II, IVA, VI, VII, Fabry, and Pompe. A questionnaire assessing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposure, coronavirus disease symptoms, and vaccine status was administered in person or by phone calls.

Results: The number of coronavirus disease positive patients was 8 (9.1%). Only 2 patients were treated in the intensive care unit. Other coronavirus disease patients had mild symptoms and stayed in-home quarantine. Patients over 12 years of age could receive a COVID-19 vaccine. 63.5% of those aged ≥12 years were vaccinated.

Conclusion: Lysosomal storage disease patients did not have an increased risk of COVID-19 compared to the healthy population, despite the chronic inflammatory disease. Vaccination of lysosomal storage disease patients will be protective against severe coronavirus disease.