Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The administration of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccines has played a pivotal role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, there have been instances of atypical immune reactions to the vaccine, notably among patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). AIM: This study was designed to analyze the cytokine profiles of RA patients who suffered from severe or fatal disease flares after receiving the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine, to unravel the immunological bases for such responses. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study involving three RA patients. These individuals had their disease under control prior to experiencing severe disease flares post-mRNA vaccination. A detailed serum cytokine analysis was carried out and compared with that of a healthy control group. RESULTS: Post-vaccination, each patient displayed a marked cytokine storm, with notably increased levels of IL-1β (342, 109, and 27.5 pg/mL, respectively), IL-6 (67.8, 82.7, and 201 pg/mL, respectively), IL-17A (172, 51.6, and 30.3 pg/mL, respectively), and TNF-α (279, 97.5, and 59.4 pg/mL, respectively). Two patients responded well to treatment with biological and synthetic DMARDs, including baricitinib and abatacept. Unfortunately, one patient passed away even after receiving tocilizumab. CONCLUSION: The findings from the comprehensive cytokine assays indicate severe cytokine abnormalities, pointing to cytokine storm syndrome. This suggests that SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination may trigger a disruption in immune homeostasis, potentially leading to the acute worsening of pulmonary complications in RA patients, even those with previously low disease activity. It's necessary to weigh the risks of severe outcomes from COVID-19 against the potential for flares or other adverse reactions following vaccination. Such risk assessments should take into account the individual patient's health status, existing conditions, and other risk factors. Close follow-up after vaccination is crucial, especially for patients with RA.