Characterization of Brighton Collaboration criteria for myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccine in Korean adolescents

Abstract

BackgroundVaccines are vital for public health, but concerns about adverse effects, particularly myocarditis and pericarditis linked to COVID-19 vaccines-, persist. This study investigates the application of Brighton Collaboration case definition to national vaccine safety data related to post-COVID-19 vaccine myo/pericarditis, utilizing claims under the Korea National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NIVCP). MethodsThis study analyzed 190 medical records of individuals who claimed to have developed myo/pericarditis after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, as reported to the NVICP between specified dates, categorizing cases based on the Brighton criteria for myocarditis or pericarditis. ResultsBetween 2021–2022, NVICP received 190 cases meeting the Brighton criteria for myocarditis or pericarditis at levels 1, 2, or 3. Most cases fell into Level 2 (70%), followed by Level 1 (29%), and one at Level 3 (1%), with Level 1 cases showing a higher hospitalization rate (87.3%) and a notable proportion requiring admission to the Intensive Care Unit (25.5%). Chest pain and Troponin-I/T elevation were common findings in Level 1 cases, while Level 2 cases exhibited similar patterns but at a slightly lower frequency. Electrocardiogram and echocardiography findings differed between the two levels. ConclusionThe Brighton Collaboration case definition proved valuable for classifying and assessing AEFI data, enhancing our understanding of the potential relationship between myocarditis and the COVID-19 vaccine.