Effectiveness of Evusheld in Immunocompromised Patients: Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
MD Ronza Najjar-Debbiny, MD Naomi Gronich, MD Gabriel Weber, MPH Nili Stein, MD, MPH Walid Saliba
Background: Tixagevimab and Cilgavimab, a combined monoclonal antibody (Evusheld) was granted emergency use authorization for SARS-CoV-2 preexposure prophylaxis in individuals with moderate to severe immunocompromising condition. In this study we used population-based real-world data to evaluate the effectiveness of Evusheld in immunocompromised patients. Methods: Using the computerized database of the largest healthcare provider in Israel, we identified all adult immunocompromised patients who were eligible to receive Evusheld (the dose used during the study period was 150mg Tixagevimab and 150mg Cilgavimab) on 15-February-2022. Patients with a documentation of a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection were excluded. A total of 703 patients who received Evusheld were propensity score-matched, using a ratio of 1:4, with 2812 patients who have not received Evusheld (control group). Patients were followed through 30-June-2022 for up to 90-days for the first documentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 related hospitalization. Results: Overall, 72 patients in the Evusheld group and 377 patients in the control group had SARS-CoV-2 infection, reflecting and incidence rate of 4.18 and 5.64 per 100 person-months, respectively. HR was 0.75(95%CI,0.58-0.96) for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and 0.41(0.19-0.89) for COVID-19 related hospitalization in the Evusheld group compared to the control group. The magnitude of relative risks reduction of each outcome was greater in non-obese patients (P for interaction=0.020 and 0.045, respectively).
Conclusion: This study suggests that Evusheld (150mg Tixagevimab and 150mg Cilgavimab) is effective in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 hospitalization in immunocompromised patients. The effectiveness of this dose appears to be greater in non-obese patients
Despite that, information about study outcomes and the administration of COVID-19 vaccines, collected prospectively as part of the Israeli MOH COVID-19 database, are considered complete. Information about Evusheld is also closely monitored by CHS and is considered complete. In addition, this retrospective cohort study is observational in nature, hence albeit using propensity score-matched analysis to adjust for confounders, residual confounding remains of concern. Furthermore, undocumented positive home antigen tests and prior asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection is still a concern. However, we assume this might have happened in a minority of immunocompromised patients, a population with a high awareness of their vulnerable health status, and since COVID-19 follow-up services and eligibility for COVID-19 treatments, which might be crucial for these patients, required a documented test. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 PCR and institutional antigen tests (performed by a healthcare worker and documented) were highly available and free of charge throughout the country. Finally, the outcome measured in the study was laboratory confirmed COVID-19 infection by means of positive PCR or antigen test regardless of symptoms.
Conclusions This study suggests that Evusheld is effective in reducing COVID-19 infections and related hospitalizations in immunocompromised adult patients regardless of their vaccination status. Adjusted weight dosing approach is suggested but needs to be further studied.
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