[Insufficient tetanus vaccination protection in psoriasis and systemic immunosuppression : Results of a retrospective investigation of 101 patients]. / Unzureichender Tetanusimpfschutz bei Psoriasis und systemischer Immunsuppression : Ergebnisse einer retrospektiven Untersuchung an 101 Patienten.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With a prevalence of approximately 3 % worldwide, psoriasis is one of the most frequent chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis are treated guideline-conform with immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive agents. According to current guidelines physicians should be vigilant about the vaccination status of immunosuppressed patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to serologically objectify the tetanus vaccination status in systemically treated patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within the context of this retrospective study the concentration of immunoglobulin G antibodies against Clostridium tetani was determined in 101 patients with systemic immunosuppression suffering from psoriasis. RESULTS: In a total of 27.7% (n = 28; 11 male, 17 female) of the patients, insufficient immunoglobulin G antibody concentrations were detected, corresponding to a higher risk of an infection with C. tetani. Group subanalyses indicated an insufficient tetanus protection especially in patients ≥65 years old (50%). CONCLUSION: The tetanus immune status of psoriasis patients was shown to be comparable with the general population. The results of our investigation underline that people suffering from psoriasis have to be tested for tetanus protection and if necessary, vaccinations have to be renewed.