Author:
Ma Becky Mingyao,Tam Anthony Raymond,Chan Kam Wa,Hung Ivan Fan Ngai,Tang Sydney Chi Wai,Chan Tak Mao,Yap Desmond Yat-Hin
Abstract
<b><i>Background:</i></b> A three-dose regimen is the current standard for COVID-19 vaccination, but systematic data on immunogenicity and safety in chronic kidney disease patients remains limited. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> We conducted a meta-analysis on the immunogenicity and safety of three-dose COVID-19 vaccination in patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Systematic literature search in four electronic databases yielded twenty eligible studies (2,117 patients, 94% of whom received mRNA vaccines) for meta-analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The overall seropositivity rate of anti-SARS-CoV-2 was 74.2% (95% CI: 65.0–83.4%) after three-dose COVID-19 vaccination. The seropositivity rate of anti-SARS-CoV-2 in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) was 64.6% (95% CI: 58.7–70.5%), and 43.5% (95% CI: 38.5–48.6%) of non-responders after second dose became seropositive after third dose. The seropositivity rate of anti-SARS-CoV-2 was 92.9% (95% CI: 89.5–96.2%) in dialysis patients, and 64.6% (95% CI: 46.8–82.3%) of non-responders after second dose became seropositive after third dose. In KTRs, each year increase in transplant vintage was associated with 35.6% increase in anti-SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity (95% CI: 15.9–55.4%, <i>p</i> = 0.01). There were no serious adverse events attributed to vaccination in KTRs, and the commonest local and systemic adverse events were injection site pain and fatigue, respectively. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Three-dose COVID-19 vaccination regimen in patients on RRT is associated with reduced immunogenicity, especially in KTRs. There are no adverse events associated with third-dose COVID-19 vaccine in KTRs.