Managing patients with rheumatic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic: The French Society of Rheumatology answers to most frequently asked questions up to May 2020

Recent advances in clinical practice: management of inflammatory bowel disease during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised considerable concerns that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly those treated with immunosuppressive therapies, may have an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 acquisition, develop worse outcomes following COVID-19, and have suboptimal vaccine response compared with the general population. In this review, we summarise data on the risk of COVID-19 and associated outcomes, and latest guidance on SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with IBD. Emerging evidence suggests that commonly used medications for IBD, such as corticosteroids but not biologicals, were associated with adverse outcomes to COVID-19. There has been no increased risk of de novo, or delayed, IBD diagnoses, however, an overall decrease in endoscopy procedures has led to a rise in the number of missed endoscopic-detected cancers during the pandemic. The impact of IBD medication on vaccine response has been a research priority recently. Data suggest that patients with IBD treated with antitumour necrosis factor (TNF) medications had attenuated humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and more rapid antibody decay, compared with non-anti-TNF-treated patients. Reassuringly, rates of breakthrough infections and hospitalisations in all patients who received vaccines, irrespective of IBD treatment, remained low. International guidelines recommend that all patients with IBD treated with immunosuppressive therapies should receive, at any point during their treatment cycle, three primary doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines with a further booster dose as soon as possible. Future research should focus on our understanding of the rate of antibody decay in biological-treated patients, which patients require additional doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, the long-term risks of COVID-19 on IBD disease course and activity, and the potential risk of long COVID-19 in patients with IBD.

Perspectives on Subcutaneous Infliximab for Rheumatic Diseases and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Era

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted significant changes in patient care in rheumatology and gastroenterology, with clinical guidance issued to manage ongoing therapy while minimising the risk of nosocomial infection for patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Subcutaneous (SC) formulations of biologics enable patients to self-administer treatments at home; however, switching between agents may be undesirable. CT-P13 SC is the first SC formulation of infliximab that received regulatory approval and may be termed a biobetter as it offers significant clinical advantages over intravenous (IV) infliximab, including improved pharmacokinetics and a convenient mode of delivery. Potential benefits in terms of reduced immunogenicity have also been suggested. With a new SC formulation, infliximab provides an additional option for dual formulation, which enables patients to transition from IV to SC administration route without changing agent. Before COVID-19, clinical trials supported the efficacy and safety of switching from IV to SC infliximab for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and SC infliximab may have been selected on the basis of patient and HCP preferences for SC agents. During the pandemic, patients with rheumatic diseases and IBD have successfully switched from IV to SC infliximab, with some clinical benefits and high levels of patient satisfaction. As patients switched to SC therapeutics, the reduction in resource requirements for IV infusion services may have been particularly welcome given the pandemic, facilitating reorganisation and redeployment in overstretched healthcare systems, alongside pharmacoeconomic benefits and a reduction in exposure to nosocomial infection. Telemedicine and contactless healthcare have been pushed to the forefront during the pandemic, and a lasting shift towards remote patient management and community/home-based drug administration is anticipated. SC infliximab supports the implementation of this paradigm for future improvements of healthcare value delivered. The accumulation of real-world data during the pandemic supports the high level of confidence, with patients, physicians, and healthcare systems benefitting from its uptake.

The Emerging Era of Interventional Imaging in Rheumatology: An Overview During the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic

Imaging has long been taking its place in the diagnosis, monitor, and prognosis of rheumatic diseases. It plays a vital role in the appraisal of treatment. Key progress in the clinical practice of rheumatology is the innovation of advanced imaging modalities; such as musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS), computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These modalities introduced a promising noninvasive method for visualizing bone and soft tissues to enable an improved diagnosis. The use of MSUS in rheumatology is considered a landmark in the evolution of the specialty and its ease of use and many applications in rheumatic diseases make it a forerunner instrument in the practice. The use of MSUS among rheumatologists must parallel the development rate of the excellence revealed in the specialty. Moreover, innovative interventional imaging in rheumatology (III-R) is gaining fame and key roles in the near future for a comprehensive management of rheumatic diseases with precision. This review article throws light on the emergence of these robust innovations that may reshape the guidelines and practice in rheumatology, in particular, efforts to enhance best practice during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are endorsed.

Perception de la télémédecine par les consultants en rhumatologie à l’ère de la COVID-19

Introduction

Avec l’avènement de la pandémie de COVID-19, le système de santé a été confronté à des difficultés pour fournir des soins appropriés aux patients suivis au long cours pour des pathologies autres que le COVID-19. Ces derniers, du fait de la chronicité de leurs maladies, nécessitent un suivi régulier et rapproché [1]. Quoique la télémédecine n’est pas encore officiellement mise en œuvre en Tunisie, cette alternative peut avoir le potentiel d’améliorer l’accès aux soins en plus de réduire les dépenses de santé. L’objectif de notre étude était d’évaluer la perception de la télémédecine par les patients suivis en rhumatologie et d’étudier les facteurs favorisant l’adoption de cette alternative à l’ère du COVID-19.

Patients et méthodes

Nous avons mené une enquête transversale structurée par téléphone auprès des patients suivis au service de rhumatologie de l’institut Kassab d’orthopédie, pour un rhumatisme inflammatoire chronique ou pour une pathologie dégénérative. Les données sociodémographiques et les caractéristiques de leur maladie ont été recueillies. Nous avons évalué leur point de vue et leur aptitude à la télémédecine.

Résultats

L’étude a inclus 75 patients. Il y avait une prédominance féminine avec un sex-ratio de 0,4. La répartition des pathologies rhumatismales était comme suit: polyarthrite rhumatoïde (PR) (20 %), spondyloarthrite (SpA) (26,6 %), arthrite juvénile idiopathique (30,7 %), et pathologie dégénérative (22,7 %). La durée d’évolution de la maladie était en moyenne de 9,8 ± 7,5 [1–29] ans. Près de la moitié des patients (46,7 %) avaient un revenu mensuel inférieur à 500 dinars et 44 % d’entre eux avaient un revenu mensuel entre 500 et 1000 dinars (151 et 303 euros). La durée moyenne du trajet pour se rendre à l’hôpital était de moins de 2 heures dans 61,3 % des cas, entre 2 et 5 heures dans 28 % des cas et plus de 5 heures dans 10,7 % des cas. Les appareils électroniques disponibles étaient les suivants: smartphone (18,7 %), internet (16 %), téléphone portable simple (24 %), et l’association des trois (41,3 %). Seuls 14 patients connaissaient le concept de télémédecine et 37,3 % d’entre eux accepteraient ce modèle de soins. Le moyen de télécommunication le plus apte à être adopté selon les patients était les appels vidéo (64 %) comparé aux appels téléphoniques (36 %). Les principales raisons de préférer la télémédecine étaient comme suit: éviter les hôpitaux pendant la pandémie (28 %), faire des économies (25,3 %), gagner du temps (26,7 %) et éviter l’absentéisme (14,7 %). Les principales raisons de préférer la consultation en direct étaient la crainte d’une éventuelle discordance entre l’évaluation physique et l’évaluation à distance (33,3 %), la crainte de la banalisation de la maladie (36 %), les inquiétudes quant à maîtrise de la technologie (21,3 %) et enfin, la crainte de perdre la connectivité (29,3 %). Il n’y avait pas d’association entre la préférence pour la télémédecine et le motif de consultation (p = 0,87), un revenu plus élevé (p = 0,84), la durée du trajet vers l’hôpital (p = 0,07), la profession (p = 0,54), ainsi que des antécédents familiaux de COVID-19 (p = 0,54). Les patients au courant du concept de télémédecine et disposant de ressources électronique adhéraient plus à la télémédecine (p = 0,006, p = 0,000 respectivement).

Conclusion

Contrairement aux données de la littérature, notre étude a montré la faible prévalence des patients prêts à accepter la télémédecine comme modèle de soins. En effet, en Tunisie, le concept de télétravail en général n’était pas d’usage courant avant la pandémie, d’où la nécessité de sensibiliser les patients d’avantage afin de promouvoir cette alternative.

COVID-19 chez les patients atteints de rhumatismes inflammatoires chroniques en France : caractéristiques cliniques, facteurs de risque et maintien thérapeutique

Objectif

Évaluer comment les patients présentant un rhumatisme inflammatoire chronique ont fait face à l’épidémie de COVID-19 concernant leur maladie et identifier des facteurs de risque d’infection à SARS-CoV-2 chez ces patients.

Méthodes

Les patients suivis dans un service de rhumatologie français ou inscrits sur la plateforme sécurisée d’e-médecine Spondy+ ont été invités à remplir un questionnaire portant sur la présence de symptômes du COVID-19, sur les résultats des tests diagnostiques et les modifications de traitement durant la période de confinement. Les réponses au questionnaire ont été rapportées à l’aide de statistiques descriptives. Les facteurs associés au risque de COVID-19 et à un arrêt de traitement à visée rhumatologique ont été évalués à l’aide d’une régression logistique.

Résultats

Sur les 2081 questionnaires envoyés, nous avons obtenu 655 réponses provenant de 474 patients atteints de spondyloarthrite (SpA), 129 de polyarthrite rhumatoïde (PR) et 52 de rhumatisme psoriasique (RP). La moyenne d’âge était de 51 ans ± 13,4 ans avec une prédominance féminine (61,8 %). L’incidence de COVID-19 était de 6,9 % (IC 95 % : 5,1–9,2 %), avec 12 cas confirmés par PCR et 33 fortes suspicions. Cinq patients ont nécessité une hospitalisation dont un en unité de soins intensifs et aucun décès n’a été constaté. Les facteurs indépendamment associés à un risque d’infection étaient une notion de contage au SARS-CoV-2, un jeune âge, et l’absence d’intoxication tabagique. Plus de 30 % des patients rapportaient avoir suspendu ou arrêté au moins un traitement de leur rhumatisme inflammatoire durant la période de confinement, la plupart par peur d’une contamination (79,3 %). Parmi ceux-ci, 63,4 % ont rapporté une majoration de l’activité de leur maladie.

Conclusion

Notre étude ne montre pas d’augmentation de l’incidence ou de la sévérité de COVID-19 chez les patients présentant un rhumatisme inflammatoire chronique. Elle apporte des arguments en faveur de la sécurité des traitements anti-rhumatismaux en période épidémique.

Delphi methodology in healthcare research: How to decide its appropriateness

The Delphi technique is a systematic process of forecasting using the collective opinion of panel members. The structured method of developing consensus among panel members using Delphi methodology has gained acceptance in diverse fields of medicine. The Delphi methods assumed a pivotal role in the last few decades to develop best practice guidance using collective intelligence where research is limited, ethically/logistically difficult or evidence is conflicting. However, the attempts to assess the quality standard of Delphi studies have reported significant variance, and details of the process followed are usually unclear. We recommend systematic quality tools for evaluation of Delphi methodology; identification of problem area of research, selection of panel, anonymity of panelists, controlled feedback, iterative Delphi rounds, consensus criteria, analysis of consensus, closing criteria, and stability of the results. Based on these nine qualitative evaluation points, we assessed the quality of Delphi studies in the medical field related to coronavirus disease 2019. There was inconsistency in reporting vital elements of Delphi methods such as identification of panel members, defining consensus, closing criteria for rounds, and presenting the results. We propose our evaluation points for researchers, medical journal editorial boards, and reviewers to evaluate the quality of the Delphi methods in healthcare research.

Delphi methodology in healthcare research: How to decide its appropriateness

The Delphi technique is a systematic process of forecasting using the collective opinion of panel members. The structured method of developing consensus among panel members using Delphi methodology has gained acceptance in diverse fields of medicine. The Delphi methods assumed a pivotal role in the last few decades to develop best practice guidance using collective intelligence where research is limited, ethically/logistically difficult or evidence is conflicting. However, the attempts to assess the quality standard of Delphi studies have reported significant variance, and details of the process followed are usually unclear. We recommend systematic quality tools for evaluation of Delphi methodology; identification of problem area of research, selection of panel, anonymity of panelists, controlled feedback, iterative Delphi rounds, consensus criteria, analysis of consensus, closing criteria, and stability of the results. Based on these nine qualitative evaluation points, we assessed the quality of Delphi studies in the medical field related to coronavirus disease 2019. There was inconsistency in reporting vital elements of Delphi methods such as identification of panel members, defining consensus, closing criteria for rounds, and presenting the results. We propose our evaluation points for researchers, medical journal editorial boards, and reviewers to evaluate the quality of the Delphi methods in healthcare research.

Assessment of impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in Europe: results from the REUMAVID study (phase 1)

Aim

To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).

Methods

REUMAVID is a cross-sectional study using an online survey developed by an international multidisciplinary patient-led collaboration across seven European countries targeting unselected patients with RMDs. Healthcare access, daily activities, disease activity and function, well-being (WHO Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5)), health status, anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)) and access to information were evaluated. Data were collected in April–July 2020 (first phase).

Results

Data from the first phase included 1800 patients with 15 different RMDs (37.2% axial spondyloarthritis, 29.2% rheumatoid arthritis, 17.2% osteoarthritis and others). Mean age was 53, 80% female and 49% had undertaken university studies. During the beginning of the pandemic, 58.4% had their rheumatology appointment cancelled and 45.6% reported not having received any information relating to the possible impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in their RMDs, with the main source being patient organisations (27.6%).

Regarding habits, 24.6% increased smoking, 18.2% raised their alcohol consumption, and 45.6% were unable to continue exercising. Self-reported disease activity was high (5.3±2.7) and 75.6% reported elevated pain. Half the patients (49.0%) reported poor well-being (WHO-5) and 46.6% that their health had changed for the worse during lockdown. According to HADS, 57.3% were at risk of anxiety and 45.9% of depression.

Conclusion

Throughout the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with RMDs have experienced disruption in access to healthcare services, poor lifestyle habits and negative effects on their overall health, well-being and mental health. Furthermore, information on COVID-19 has not reached patients appropriately.

COVID-19: What Do Rheumatologists Need to Know?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in December 2019, rapidly reaching global pandemic proportions. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has presented unique challenges to the rheumatology community. It is known that many individuals with rheumatic disease are at increased risk of severe disease from other infections, sparking a similar fear for COVID-19. In addition, medications routinely used in rheumatology practice are being trialled as treatments, with the potential for drug shortages for rheumatology patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Underlying comorbidities and active disease are associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes in patients with rheumatic disease. Tocilizumab and hydroxychloroquine have not proven to be effective treatments in the management of COVID-19. Telehealth has become an essential tool for the rheumatology community to monitor patients during the pandemic. In this article, we summarise the available COVID-19 evidence that is of relevance to the rheumatology community. We discuss the risk of contracting COVID-19 in individuals with rheumatic disease, along with presenting features and clinical outcomes. We provide an overview of the treatments for COVID-19 which have significance for rheumatology. We highlight published recommendations which can guide our management of rheumatic disease populations during this pandemic. Finally, we discuss the challenges in delivering effective care virtually and present methods and tools which could be adapted for use.

COVID-19 in French patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases: Clinical features, risk factors and treatment adherence

OBJECTIVE

To explore how patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRDs) coped with their disease during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify possible predictive factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this population.

METHODS

Patients followed in a single rheumatology department in France or registered on the Spondy+ platform, a secure e-health platform for spondyloarthritis patients, were invited to complete a questionnaire focused on their experiences around COVID19 symptoms, testing and medications access during the lockdown period. Descriptive statistics were used to report questionnaire's results. Factors associated with COVID-19 or with treatment discontinuation were assessed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

We obtained 655 answers from the 2,081 contacted patients: 474 with spondyloarthritis, 129 with rheumatoid arthritis and 52 with psoriatic arthritis. The population was predominantly female (61.8%) with a mean age of 51.0±13.4 years. Incidence of COVID-19 was 6.9% (95%CI: 5.1-9.2%), including 12 confirmed and 33 highly suspicious cases. No death was observed and five patients needed to be hospitalized. Factors independently associated with an increased risk of infection were SARS-CoV-2 exposure, younger age and non-smoking. More than 30% of the patients suspended or decreased the dosage of one of their drugs during the lockdown period. This was followed in 63.4% of them by increased disease activity. Modifications were mostly motivated by fear of contagion (79.3%).

CONCLUSION

We did not observe any increase of incidence or severity of COVID-19 in patients suffering of the 3 most common CIRDs. This survey also adds evidence of the safety of anti-rheumatic drugs use regarding COVID-19.

African League Against Rheumatism (AFLAR) preliminary recommendations on the management of rheumatic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives

To develop recommendations for the management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

A task force comprising of 25 rheumatologists from the 5 regions of the continent was formed and operated through a hub-and-spoke model with a central working committee (CWC) and 4 subgroups. The subgroups championed separate scopes of the clinical questions and formulated preliminary statements of recommendations which were processed centrally in the CWC. The CWC and each subgroup met by several virtual meetings, and two rounds of voting were conducted on the drafted statements of recommendations. Votes were online-delivered and recommendations were pruned down according to predefined criteria. Each statement was rated between 1 and 9 with 1–3, 4–6 and 7–9 representing disagreement, uncertainty and agreement, respectively. The levels of agreement on the statements were stratified as low, moderate or high according to the spread of votes. A statement was retired if it had a mean vote below 7 or a ‘low’ level of agreement.

Results

A total of 126 initial statements of recommendations were drafted, and these were reduced to 22 after the two rounds of voting.

Conclusions

The preliminary statements of recommendations will serve to guide the clinical practice of rheumatology across Africa amidst the changing practices and uncertainties in the current era of COVID-19. It is recognized that further updates to the recommendations will be needed as more evidence emerges.

Key Points • AFLAR has developed preliminary recommendations for the management of RMDs in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. • COVID-19 is an unprecedented experience which has brought new concerns regarding the use of some disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and these recommendations seek to provide guidelines to the African rheumatologists. • Hydroxychloroquine shortage has become rampart across Africa as the drug is being used as prophylaxis against COVID-19 and this may necessitate a review of treatment plan for some patients with RMDs. • Breastfeeding should continue for as long as possible if a woman is positive for SARS-CoV-2 as there is currently no evidence that the infection can be transmitted through breast milk.

COVID-19 in adult patients with pre-existing chronic cardiac, respiratory and metabolic disease: a critical literature review with clinical recommendations

BACKGROUND

A high burden of severe disease and death from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been consistently observed in older patients, especially those with pre-existing medical co-morbidities. The global pandemic lockdown has isolated many patients with chronic illnesses from their routine medical care. This narrative review article analyses the multitude of issues faced by individuals with underlying medical conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Sources for this publication were identified through searches of PubMed for articles published between 31st December 2019 and 4th June 2020, using combinations of search terms. Guidelines and updates from reputable agencies were also consulted. Only articles published in the English language were included.

RESULTS

The volume of literature on COVID-19 continues to expand, with 17,845 articles indexed on PubMed by 4th June 2020, 130 of which were deemed particularly relevant to the subject matter of this review. Older patients are more likely to progress to severe COVID-19 disease requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, especially hypertension and coronary heart disease, are at greatly increased risk of developing severe and fatal COVID-19 disease. A controversial aspect of the management of COVID-19 disease has been the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. Obese COVID-19 patients are more likely to require complex ICU management. Putative mechanisms of increased COVID-19 disease severity in diabetes include hyperglycaemia, altered immune function, sub-optimal glycaemic control during hospitalisation, a pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory state. Patients with mental health disorders are particularly vulnerable to social isolation, and this has been compounded by the suspension of non-emergency care in hospitals around the world, making it difficult for patients with chronic mental illness to attend outpatient appointments.

CONCLUSIONS

The global pandemic of COVID-19 disease has had a disproportionately negative impact on patients living with chronic medical illness. Future research should be directed at efforts to protect vulnerable patients from possible further waves of COVID-19 and minimising the negative impact of pandemic mitigation strategies on these individuals.