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COVID-19 infection and rheumatoid arthritis: Faraway, so close!

Ennio Giulio Favalli1, Francesca Ingegnoli2, Orazio De Lucia1

  • 1Division of Clinical Rheumatology, ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO Institute, Milan, Italy.

Autoimmunity Reviews
|March 25, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic impacts rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. This review analyzes how RA drugs affect SARS-CoV-2 infection, aiding patient management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges for managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • RA patients face increased infectious risk due to autoimmune disease and immunosuppressive therapies.
  • Current SARS-CoV-2 management is largely supportive, lacking specific antiviral treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically analyze the effects of commonly used RA drugs on COVID-19 management.
  • To evaluate the evidence for both beneficial and detrimental impacts of anti-rheumatic drugs in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • To optimize treatment strategies for RA patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of existing studies.
  • Critical analysis of evidence regarding drug interactions and patient outcomes.
  • Synthesis of data on the role of anti-rheumatic drugs in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests some RA drugs may have a positive or negative impact on COVID-19 outcomes.
  • Understanding drug pathophysiology is crucial for managing co-existing RA and SARS-CoV-2.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the precise role of specific anti-rheumatic agents.

Conclusions:

  • The interplay between RA treatments and COVID-19 requires careful consideration.
  • Optimizing RA patient care necessitates a nuanced approach to medication during the pandemic.
  • This review provides insights for clinicians managing RA patients with or at risk of COVID-19.

Keywords:
COVID-19CoronavirusCytokine release syndromeDMARDsRheumatoid arthritisTreatment

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