Early immunological responses to the mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with neuromuscular disorders

BACKGROUNDS: Intramuscular injection of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has raised concerns about its use in patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMDs). We evaluated the response of patients with NMDs to the BNT162b2 vaccine. METHODS: Healthy subjects, patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) were included. All participants received two BNT162b2 doses. SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers at baseline and 2 weeks after each vaccination were compared between groups. Residual muscle volume was evaluated in NMDs group. A questionnaire documented adverse reactions. RESULTS: Eleven patients with NMDs (9 with SMA, 2 with DMD; 7 males; aged 32.7 ± 19.3 years) and 346 healthy subjects (60 males, aged 40.0 ± 12.4 years) were included. Antibody titers (U/mL) were similar between groups (baseline: <0.40 vs. <0.40, first vaccination, 145 ± 258 vs. 103 ± 1192, and second vaccination, 1528 ± 1265 vs. 1429 ± 944; p = 1.000, 0.909, and 0.736, respectively). A negative correlation was found between antibody titers and residual muscle volume but was not significant (Mercuri scale, r = −0.429, p = 0.249; fat infiltration rate, r = −0.194, p = 0.618). The adverse reactions were comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: The BNT162b2 vaccine is safe and effective in patients with NMDs.