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Abstract
The relationship between viral infection and onset of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus remains uncertain. During the COVID-19 pandemic, organ-specific and multisystemic autoimmune phenomena temporally related to the viral infection have been described. Immune dysregulation triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 virus leading to hyperactivation of both the innate and adaptive immune systems contributes to the excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, autoantibodies, and subsequent autoimmune manifestations. We report two patients without known autoimmune diseases who developed lupus nephritis shortly after a documented mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. Together with other similar cases in the literature, the observation supports a viral trigger of the development of systemic lupus erythematosus in susceptible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Chiu Mok
- Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chiu Sum Chu
- Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sau Mei Tse
- Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China
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Vahabi M, Ghazanfari T, Sepehrnia S. Molecular Mimicry, Hyperactive Immune System, And SARS-COV-2 Are Three Prerequisites of the Autoimmune Disease Triangle Following COVID-19 Infection. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 112:109183. [PMID: 36182877 PMCID: PMC9393178 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection can produce a variety of clinical manifestations, which are either directly related to viral tissue damage or indirectly induced by the antiviral immune response. Molecular mimicry enables this virus to undermine self-tolerance in a host's immune system also immune system's attempts to eliminate SARS-COV-2 may trigger autoimmunity by hyper-activating the innate and adaptive immune systems. Auto immune diseases include Systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune thyroid diseases, Guillain‐Barre syndrome, Immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and the detection of autoantibodies are the cues to the discovery of the potential of COVID‐19 in inducing autoimmunity. As COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases share a common pathogenesis, autoimmune drugs may be an effective treatment option. Susceptible patients must be monitored for autoimmune symptoms after contracting CVID-19. In light of the SARS-COV-2 virus' ability to induce autoimmunity in susceptible patients, will the various COVID-19 vaccines that are the only way to end the pandemic induce autoimmunity?
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Fu XL, Qian Y, Jin XH, Yu HR, Du L, Wu H, Chen HL, Shi YQ. COVID-19 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review. Lupus 2022; 31:684-696. [PMID: 35382637 PMCID: PMC8990101 DOI: 10.1177/09612033221093502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of the study were to review the articles to identify (a) the epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); (b) the clinical characteristics of SLE patients with COVID-19; (c) the treatment of COVID-19 in SLE patients; and (d) the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on SLE patients. PubMed was systematically reviewed for literature published from December 2019 to June 2021. Our search was limited to human studies, with language restriction of English. Studies were included if they reported COVID-19 in SLE patients. Our systematic review included 52 studies. The prevalence of COVID-19 infection ranged from 0.0% to 18.1% in SLE patients, and the hospitalisation rates ranged from 0.24% to 10.6%. COVID-19 infection is likely to mimic SLE flare. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was ineffective in prevention of COVID-19, and SLE patients with COVID-19 faced difficulty in healthcare access, had financial constraints and suffered from psychological distress during the pandemic. The pandemic had a significant effect on mental and physical health. Adequate healthcare access, along with containment policies, social distancing measures and psychological nursing was required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Lei Fu
- School of Medicine, 66479Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Qian
- 74567Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Jin
- 74567Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hai-Rong Yu
- 74567Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Du
- School of Medicine, 66479Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hua Wu
- School of Medicine, 66479Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hong-Lin Chen
- School of Public Health, 66479Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ya-Qin Shi
- School of Medicine, 66479Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Sakthiswary R, Chuah HY, Chiang KS, Liew YS, Muhammad Aizat NA. COVID-19 in systemic lupus erythematosus: A pooled analysis and systematic review of case reports and series. Lupus 2021; 30:1946-1954. [PMID: 34565208 DOI: 10.1177/09612033211045057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the recent months, there have been several case reports and case series on COVID-19 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE). We conducted a pooled analysis and systematic review to summarise the findings of these articles. Besides, we aimed to determine the predictors of severe COVID-19 infection in SLE by comparing the mild to moderate cases with the severe to critical ones. METHOD All case reports and case series pertaining to COVID-19 in SLE were retrieved from Pubmed, Wiley Online Library, Springer Link, Science Direct and Web of Science databases using 'lupus', 'systemic lupus erythematosus', 'coronavirus', 'SARS-CoV-2', 'SLE' and "Covid-19" as keywords. The following data were extracted from the selected articles: country, age of the patient and the characteristics of SLE such as disease duration, organ or system involved, baseline medications and the severity of the COVID-19 infection. Data extracted from the articles were utilised to perform the pooled analysis. RESULTS A total of 24 articles with 48 patients met the eligibility criteria. The median age at diagnosis of COVID-19 infection was 41 years (IQR: 11-66 years). The median SLE disease duration prior to the diagnosis of COVID-19 was 9 years (IQR: 0-30 years). A total of 22 (45.83%) patients had severe to critical COVID-19. This pooled data did not demonstrate any difference in the baseline medications between the 2 groups. Patients with lupus nephritis were significantly more prone to develop severe to critical disease (p = 0 .036) with an odds ratio of 5.40 (95% confidence interval of 1.120-26.045). CONCLUSION We found that lupus nephritis was the only predictor of severe to critical COVID-19 in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajalingham Sakthiswary
- Department of Medicine, 61775Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, KualaLumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hui Yuan Chuah
- Department of Medicine, 61775Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, KualaLumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ker Shing Chiang
- Department of Medicine, 61775Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, KualaLumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yee Shan Liew
- Department of Medicine, 61775Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, KualaLumpur, Malaysia
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Zhu Y, Zhong J, Dong L. Epidemiology and Clinical Management of Rheumatic Autoimmune Diseases in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:725226. [PMID: 34490312 PMCID: PMC8416911 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.725226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been in pandemic for more than 1 year, with serious negative effects produced worldwide. During this period, there have been a lot of studies on rheumatic autoimmune diseases (RADs) combined with COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to review and summarize these experiences. Pubmed, Web of science, Embase and the Cochrane library were searched from January 15, 2020 to July 15, 2021 using RADs and COVID-19 related keywords. Based on a comprehensive review of studies covering 16 countries, the prevalence of COVID-19 does not necessarily increase in RADs patients compared to the general population. In RADs population infected with COVID-19, a high proportion of female patients (54.44~95.2%), elderly patients (≥50y, 48~75.88%), and patients with pre-existing comorbidities (respiratory, 4.8~60.4%; endocrine, 8.52~44.72%; cardiovascular, 15.7~64.73%) were observed, although, this does not appear to have a decisive effect on disease severity. Many anti-rheumatic treatments have been extensively evaluated for their efficacy of treating COVID-19 in RADs patients, with TNF-α inhibitors and IL-6 receptor antagonist receiving more positive reviews. However, there is no conclusive information for most of the therapeutic regimens due to the lack of high-level evidence. Inflammatory markers or neutrophil-lymphocyte-ratio may be applied as indicators for clinical prognosis or therapeutic regimens adjustment. Thus, more research is still needed to address the prevalence, treatment, and clinical monitoring of RADs patients in COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingzi Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jixin Zhong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingli Dong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Khalid MZ, Rogers S, Fatima A, Dawe M, Singh R. A Flare of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease After COVID-19 Infection: A Case of Lupus Cerebritis. Cureus 2021; 13:e16104. [PMID: 34350072 PMCID: PMC8325872 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The association between coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and autoimmune disease has been mounting, and literature on COVID-19-induced flare-up of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease is lacking. We describe a case of lupus cerebritis triggered by COVID-19 in a young female with SLE, who presented with fluctuated mentation, psychomotor retardation, slow speech, and intermittent choreiform movement in the upper part of the body. She had a history of COVID-19 infection three weeks back. Her serum immunoglobulin G antibodies were positive against COVID-19. On examination, she had psychomotor agitation, intermittent choreiform movements of upper limbs, and poor speech. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed hyperintense signals in the white matter of both hemispheres, suggestive of lupus cerebritis secondary to COVID-19 infection and lack of any other identifiable risk factor. Management included methylprednisolone, prednisone, and olanzapine. The patient was also placed on monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide, and her condition started improving gradually.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylvette Rogers
- Family Medicine, Caribbean Medical University, Des Plaines, USA
| | - Ayesha Fatima
- Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, PAK
| | - Manal Dawe
- Internal Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, CHN
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Shayestehpour M, Zamani B. Systemic lupus erythematosus and varicella-like rash following COVID-19 in a previously healthy patient. J Med Virol 2021; 93:2599. [PMID: 33527457 PMCID: PMC8014486 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shayestehpour
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, I.R. Iran.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, I.R. Iran
| | - Batool Zamani
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, I.R. Iran
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Gracia-Ramos AE, Saavedra-Salinas MÁ. Can the SARS-CoV-2 infection trigger systemic lupus erythematosus? A case-based review. Rheumatol Int 2021; 41:799-809. [PMID: 33543338 PMCID: PMC7861004 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-021-04794-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune and multisystemic chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various organs, including skin, joints, kidneys, lungs and the nervous system. Infectious agents have long been implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE. The new viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has shown that, in genetically predisposed patients could trigger the presentation or exacerbation of the autoimmune disease. We herein report a case of a 45-year-old man who presented respiratory symptoms, bilateral pleural effusion, ascites, splenomegaly, severe thrombocytopenia and renal failure with proteinuria and hematuria. SARS-CoV-2 PCR confirmed the COVID-19 diagnosis. We diagnosed the patient with SLE based on the clinical manifestations and positive immunological markers (2019 European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology, score of 18). Glucocorticoid pulses were administered to the patient, which improved renal function. However, thrombocytopenia was also refractory to IV immunoglobulin and rituximab, so the patient underwent splenectomy. Through a systematic search of the medical literature, we retrieved two cases with newly onset SLE and five cases with previous SLE diagnosis that showed activity of the disease due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We herein present a systemic review of these cases and discuss the clinical manifestations that could help to the diagnosis of this clinical condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Edgar Gracia-Ramos
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital, National Medical Center "La Raza", Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Av. Jacaranda S/N, Col. La Raza, Del. Azcapotzalco, C.P. 02990, Mexico City, Mexico. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Zumpango, Carretera Zumpango-Jilotzingo No. 400, Barrio Santiago, Segunda Sección, C.P. 55600, Zumpango, Estado de México, Mexico.
| | - Miguel Ángel Saavedra-Salinas
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret, National Medical Center "La Raza", Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
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