World first research study examines the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine on dialysis patients
The first research study of its kind in the world was conducted at Laniado Hospital, led by Dr. Moshe Shasher (Director of the Department for Nephrology at Laniado Hospital). The study focused on examining the level of antibodies developed in dialysis patients after receiving the Pfizer vaccines.
The successful research study has since been published in a well-respected journal in the field of nephrology – the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN) and in the Israeli newspaper, Yediot Ahronot.
Dr. Shasher examined the levels of antibodies developed by 56 dialysis patients at Laniado Hospital, compared with 96 hospital staff who have received both vaccines. The test was conducted at least one week after the second vaccine had been administered. The findings of the study clearly show that dialysis patients develop antibodies at a lower level than the control group of hospital staff.
The significance of the study is being examined and it may be necessary to change the timing or dosage of the Pfizer vaccine for dialysis patients, in order to increase an effective response to the vaccine.
Dr. Moshe Shasher said that, “the study was conducted during the months of January and February. As someone who treats dialysis patients on a daily basis, I believe we must continue to investigate to make sure that the protection given to our patients from the vaccines is adequate. My team and I are currently exploring options for further research, in order to reach practical conclusions and recommendations in the near future.
"The fact that a nephrological journal as important as the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology - CJASN chose to publish the article, is a certificate of honor to the hospital staff who engaged in intensive research, at the highest standards."
Mr. Nadav Chen, CEO of Laniado congratulated Dr. Shasher and his team on the impressive achievement and said “The research activity at Laniado Hospital is a daily activity aimed at achieving abilities and insights to improve the professional care of patients. This study joins other studies in various clinical disciplines published in the most important clinical platforms in the world”.