1
|
Zhao X, Wu H, Li S, Gao C, Wang J, Ge L, Song Z, Ni B, You Y. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SLE. Mod Rheumatol 2024; 34:247-264. [PMID: 36961736 DOI: 10.1093/mr/road030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and autoimmune diseases, especially in the case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE patients met with many questions during the pandemic in COVID-19, such as how to minimize risk of infection, the complex pathological features and cytokine profiles, diagnosis and treatment, rational choice of drugs and vaccine, good nursing, psychological supervision, and so on. In this study, we review and discuss the multifaceted effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients living with SLE using the available literature. Cross-talk in implicated inflammatory pathways/mechanisms exists between SLE and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and SARS-CoV-2 displays similar clinical characteristics and immuno-inflammatory responses to SLE. Current epidemiological data inadequately assess the risk and severity of COVID-19 infection in patients with SLE. More evidence has shown that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine cannot prevent COVID-19. During the pandemic, patients with SLE had a higher rate of hospitalization. Vaccination helps to reduce the risk of infection. Several therapies for patients with SLE infected with COVID-19 are discussed. The cases in the study can provide meaningful information for clinical diagnosis and management. Our main aim is to help preventing infection and highlight treatment options for patients with SLE infected with COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingwang Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Haohao Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Shifei Li
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Cuie Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Lan Ge
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Song
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Ni
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yi You
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
D'Auria D, Russo R, Fedele A, Addabbo F, Calvanese D. An intelligent telemonitoring application for coronavirus patients: reCOVeryaID. Front Big Data 2023; 6:1205766. [PMID: 37790086 PMCID: PMC10543687 DOI: 10.3389/fdata.2023.1205766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 emergency underscored the importance of resolving crucial issues of territorial health monitoring, such as overloaded phone lines, doctors exposed to infection, chronically ill patients unable to access hospitals, etc. In fact, it often happened that people would call doctors/hospitals just out of anxiety, not realizing that they were clogging up communications, thus causing problems for those who needed them most; such people, often elderly, have often felt lonely and abandoned by the health care system because of poor telemedicine. In addition, doctors were unable to follow up on the most serious cases or make sure that others did not worsen. Thus, uring the first pandemic wave we had the idea to design a system that could help people alleviate their fears and be constantly monitored by doctors both in hospitals and at home; consequently, we developed reCOVeryaID, a telemonitoring application for coronavirus patients. It is an autonomous application supported by a knowledge base that can react promptly and inform medical doctors if dangerous trends in the patient's short- and long-term vital signs are detected. In this paper, we also validate the knowledge-base rules in real-world settings by testing them on data from real patients infected with COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela D'Auria
- Faculty of Engineering, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Diego Calvanese
- Faculty of Engineering, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
- Department of Computing Science, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khatri G, Priya, Shaikh S, Aashish, Rai A, Cheema HA, Essar MY. Systematic lupus erythematous patients following COVID-19 vaccination: Its flares up and precautions. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 80:104282. [PMID: 35936557 PMCID: PMC9339251 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can cause both direct and indirect inflammatory damage to multiple organs. Clinical symptoms in the skin, joints, kidneys, and central nervous system, as well as serological indicators such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA), notable antibodies to dsDNA, are used to diagnose SLE. mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been shown to trigger SLE flares and the development of new rheumatic diseases. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations increase type I interferon (INF), which is not only known to have a role in the antiviral response but is also a crucial cytokine in the pathophysiology of SLE. Furthermore, both the mRNA and adenovirus vaccines boost the production of type 1 interferons, which are required for the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The danger of not administering the COVID-19 vaccination to SLE patients is significantly larger than the likelihood of its adverse effects, which are most likely caused by intrinsic immune failure, demographic disease activity, medications, linked organ damage, and comorbidities. The adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccination in SLE patients are common (about 50%), although they do not interfere with daily functioning in the majority of cases. Several precautions can be taken to avoid the complications associated with COVID-19 vaccinations.
Collapse
|
4
|
Kooshkaki O, Asghari A, Mahdavi R, Azarkar G, Parsamanesh N. Potential of MicroRNAs As Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Respiratory Viruses: A Literature Review. DNA Cell Biol 2022; 41:544-563. [PMID: 35699380 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2021.1101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression through recognition of cognate sequences and interference of transcriptional, translational, or epigenetic processes. Hundreds of miRNA genes have been found in diverse viruses, and many of these are phylogenetically conserved. Respiratory viruses are the most frequent causative agents of disease in humans, with a significant impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recently, the role of miRNAs in respiratory viral gene regulation, as well as host gene regulation during disease progression, has become a field of interest. This review highlighted the importance of various miRNAs and their potential role in fighting with respiratory viruses as therapeutic molecules with a focus on COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omid Kooshkaki
- Department of Hematology, Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Arghavan Asghari
- Department of Hematology, Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Department of Hematology, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Reza Mahdavi
- Department of Hematology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ghodsiyeh Azarkar
- Department of Hematology, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Negin Parsamanesh
- Department of Hematology, Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Murphy L. Systemic lupus erythematosus: overview, management and COVID-19. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2022; 31:348-355. [PMID: 35404655 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2022.31.7.348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex multi-system disease affecting various systems of the body. The aetiology remains unclear; however, it is thought that immune system dysregulation, environmental factors and viral susceptibility can trigger the disease. Mortality remains high due to cardiovascular disease, infection and lupus nephritis. Clinical assessment should comprise an extensive history, detailed physical examination and relevant laboratory tests. Management begins with an in-depth understanding of disease-specific complications and associated comorbidities. Treatments should be based on a shared decision-making process between the patient and the clinician. Review by a specialist nurse is vital for ongoing support and education. Current treatments can increase the risk of COVID-19 infection and disease severity, so caution is needed in the current climate. New treatments are emerging and offer hope to those with refractory disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Murphy
- Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Cork University Hospital, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity: patients with childhood-onset rheumatic diseases versus healthy children. Clin Rheumatol 2022; 41:1523-1533. [PMID: 35044502 PMCID: PMC8766358 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06067-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective We aimed to find out the asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence among pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases and healthy children and to compare them with each other. Methods Patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) and healthy children as healthy control (HC) group who remained asymptomatic during the pandemic are examined by ELISA immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG tests in this cross-sectional study. Results Overall, 149 subjects (90 females) were included in the study. While IgA was positive in 15 subjects (10%) (HC: 8, jSLE: 3, FMF: 2, JIA: 2; p = 0.196), IgG was positive in 14 subjects (9.4%) (HC: 7, JIA: 5, FMF: 1, jSLE: 1; p = 0.156). Nineteen subjects (12.75%) were IgA or IgG positive (HC: 8, JIA: 5, jSLE: 3, FMF: 3; p = 0.644). Although not significant, seropositivity was more often in HC group. Both IgA and IgG positivity were not found to be related to age, sex, underlying rheumatic diseases, and received treatments of the patients. Conclusion We revealed that patients with childhood-onset rheumatic diseases, even if they receive immunosuppressive medication such as biologic or conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, might have an asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, similarly to their healthy peers.
Key points • Although it has been already known that children are most likely to have asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, there is a lack of data on the disease course of children with rheumatic disease. • There was no significant difference regarding the asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity rates between healthy children and the patients with childhood-onset rheumatic diseases. • Patients with childhood-onset rheumatic diseases, even if they receive immunosuppressive medication, might have asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, similarly to their healthy peers. |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mashinchi B, Aryannejad A, Namazi M, Moradi S, Masoumi Z, Parsaei A, Masoumi M. A case of C-ANCA-positive systematic lupus erythematous and ANCA-associated vasculitis overlap syndrome superimposed by COVID-19: a fatal trio. Mod Rheumatol Case Rep 2021; 7:117-121. [PMID: 34480174 PMCID: PMC8499895 DOI: 10.1093/mrcr/rxab007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a substantial challenge for rheumatologists and rheumatologic patients. They are concerned about the reciprocal interaction between connective tissue diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and the virus. Here, we report a 21-year-old female SLE patient presented to the emergency department with gastrointestinal symptoms and kidney involvement evidence. Based on the pathology and laboratory assessments, she was suspected of C-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positive SLE and ANCA-associated vasculitis overlap syndrome (SLE/AAV OS), and plasmapheresis was performed every other day due to this diagnosis alongside the high titer of C-ANCA. We also administered methylprednisolone [1 g/day, intravenous (IV)] for 3 days, followed by dexamethasone with the maintenance dosage (1 mg/kg/day, IV). Although the patient's general condition improved the next days, her condition deteriorated suddenly on the 7th day of hospitalisation. She got intubated and went to the intensive care unit. Despite taking possible measures to manage the patient's condition, she eventually passed away due to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, triggered by COVID-19. The distinct role of C-ANCA in SLE/AAV vascular damage and activating neutrophil cytokine release accompanied by the impaired immune system while facing COVID-19 seems to lead to increased morbidity and mortality in such patients. This report is presented to bring into consideration the possible role of C-ANCA in the prognosis of COVID-19 in SLE/AAV OS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mansoor Namazi
- Clinical Research Center and Development, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Soroush Moradi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Masoumi
- Clinical Research Center and Development, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Masoumi
- Corresponding Author: Maryam Masoumi, Clinical Research and Development Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Qom, Iran, E-mail: , phone: +98919-012-3098, Fax: +9825-3612-2000, Postal code: 3719964797
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mintoff D, Chatterjee M, Podder I, Shipman A, Das A. Clinical Dermatology and COVID-19 Pandemic: Narrative Review. Indian J Dermatol 2021; 66:246-255. [PMID: 34446947 PMCID: PMC8375546 DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_463_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has radical repercussions on every aspect of medical science, including dermatology. The magnitude of the impact on clinical dermatology cannot be overemphasized. Dermatologists have been forced to modify and reconsider the way they consult patients. Teledermatology has come up in a big way, with most of the clinicians resorting to technology and software-based consultations. Management of different dermatological conditions like papulosquamous disorders, vesiculobullous disorders, malignancies, etc., needs to be modified as per the different recommendations proposed by expert panels. This review is an attempt to highlight the impact of this destructive pandemic on various aspects of clinical dermatology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dillon Mintoff
- Department of Dermatology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | | | - Indrashis Podder
- Department of College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital, India
| | - Alexa Shipman
- Department of Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, UK
| | - Anupam Das
- Department of KPC Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kincaid KJ, Simpkins AN. Failure of Anticoagulation to Prevent Stroke in Context of Lupus-Associated Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome and Mild COVID-19. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2021; 30:105817. [PMID: 33933349 PMCID: PMC8041145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.105817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypercoagulability and virally-mediated vascular inflammation have become well-recognized features of the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, COVID-19. Of growing concern is the apparent ineffectiveness of therapeutic anticoagulation in preventing thromboembolic events among some at-risk patient subtypes with COVID-19. We present a 43-year-old female with a history of seropositive-antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus who developed an acute ischemic stroke in the setting of mild COVID-19 infection despite adherence to chronic systemic anticoagulation. The clinical significance of SARS-CoV-2-mediated endothelial cell dysfunction and its potential to cause macrovascular events in spite of full anticoagulation warrants further investigation and likely represents another disease-defining pathology of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith J Kincaid
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Islam JY, Vidot DC, Havanur A, Camacho-Rivera M. Preventive Behaviors and Mental Health-Related Symptoms Among Immunocompromised Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of the COVID Impact Survey. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2021; 37:304-313. [PMID: 33626959 PMCID: PMC8035912 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2020.0302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the continuity of care of U.S. adults living with chronic diseases, including immunocompromised adults. Disruption in care may be a barrier to identifying COVID-19 associated sequelae, such as mental health symptoms, among the immunocompromised. Our objectives were to evaluate COVID-19-related preventive behaviors, with a focus on canceling doctor's appointments as a proxy for continuity of care, and to compare COVID-19-related mental health symptoms among the immunocompromised with the general population. We used nationally-representative data of 10,760 U.S. adults from the publicly-available COVID-19 Household Impact Survey. We defined immunocompromised as adults with a self-reported diagnosis of "a compromised immune system" (n = 854, 7.6%). We adherence to self-reported COVID-19 preventive behaviors among immunocompromised adults to others using χ2-tests. We focused on continuity of care and estimated determinants of canceling doctor's appointments among the immunocompromised using multivariable Poisson regression to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). We evaluated associations of mental health symptoms with being immunocompromised using multinomial logistic regression and estimated conditional odds ratios (cOR) with 95% CIs. Immunocompromised adults were more likely to adhere to recommended COVID-19 preventive behaviors, including washing or sanitizing hands (96.3% vs. 89.8%, χ2 <0.001), maintaining social distance (91.9% vs. 83.7%, χ2 <0.001), and canceling a doctor's appointment (47.1% vs. 29.7%, χ2 <0.001). Hispanic immunocompromised adults (aPR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.12-1.92) and immunocompromised women (aPR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.00-1.56) were more likely to cancel doctor's appointments compared to non-Hispanic White immunocompromised adults and men, respectively. Immunocompromised adults reported higher odds of feeling nervous/anxious/on edge (cOR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.44-2.51), depressed (cOR: 2.81, 95% CI: 2.17-3.64), lonely (cOR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.74-2.98), and hopeless (cOR: 2.86, 95% CI: 2.21-3.69) 3-7 days in the last week. Immunocompromised adults were more likely to cancel their doctor's appointments and report COVID19-related mental health symptoms. The continuity of care of immunocompromised adults should be prioritized through alternative interventions, such as telehealth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Yasmine Islam
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Marlene Camacho-Rivera
- Department of Community Health Sciences, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
The impact of COVID-19 on rare and complex connective tissue diseases: the experience of ERN ReCONNET. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17:177-184. [PMID: 33408338 PMCID: PMC7786339 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-020-00565-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to provide high-level care for a large number of patients with COVID-19 has affected resourcing for, and limited the routine care of, all other conditions. The impact of this health emergency is particularly relevant in the rare connective tissue diseases (rCTDs) communities, as discussed in this Perspective article by the multi-stakeholder European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ERN ReCONNET). The clinical, organizational and health economic challenges faced by health-care providers, institutions, patients and their families during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak have demonstrated the importance of ensuring continuity of care in the management of rCTDs, including adequate diagnostics and monitoring protocols, and highlighted the need for a structured emergency strategy. The vulnerability of patients with rCTDs needs to be taken into account when planning future health policies, in preparation for not only the post-COVID era, but also any possible new health emergencies. In this Perspective article, members of the European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases discuss clinical and organizational challenges in this community caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and what lessons might be learned for the future.
Collapse
|