Vaccine Prevention of Pneumococcal Infection Among Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Coronary Heart Disease –- A 10-year Horizon of Effectiveness

Abstract

Summary: The article provides an analysis of the clinical effectiveness of the use of the 13-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) among patients with comorbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary heart disease (CHD). The main objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of PCV13 on the incidence of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), as well as the impact on the survival rates of patients with COPD and CHD over fa 10-year period. Materials and methods: 500 male patients with COPD and CHD were included in the study. The primary endpoint was the incidence of CAP during 10 years of follow-up. Secondary endpoints were any-cause of mortality, exacerbations, hospitalizations during 10 years of follow-up and also the dynamics of dyspnea according to mMRC, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), dynamics of changes in 6MWD, dynamics of changes in functional class of angina pectoris (FC). The 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (Prevenar 13) has utilised for immunization. Results and conclusions: PСV13 vaccination has a significant impact on patient survival, at least during the 10-year follow-up period. The utilising of the 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine leads to a significant reduction of the high morbidity for CAP among patients with COPD, as well as with COPD and CHD. Vaccination leads to the stabilization of the main clinical and functional parameters, including during a 10-year perspective. Recommendations to include pneumococcal vaccines in clinical guidelines and immunization programs should be mandatory and prioritized.