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Implications of COVID-19 in pediatric rheumatology

Ezgi Deniz Batu1, Seza Özen2

  • 1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, 06100, Turkey. ezgidenizbatu@yahoo.com.

Rheumatology International
|June 6, 2020
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) disproportionately affects adults with rheumatic diseases, with a 3.9% mortality rate observed in a review of 231 patients. Children experienced milder COVID-19 symptoms, warranting further investigation into immune responses and treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) presents a global health challenge, with potential for severe outcomes like acute respiratory distress syndrome and cytokine storm.
  • While generally milder in children, COVID-19 can be severe in adults, particularly those with underlying conditions.
  • Rheumatologists manage immune system dysregulation and utilize immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive drugs, positioning them to contribute to COVID-19 patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current literature on COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic diseases.
  • To explore the similarities between COVID-19 and rheumatic diseases.
  • To discuss the milder presentation of COVID-19 in children and the potential role of vaccines and anti-rheumatic drugs in managing the pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus databases.
  • Data from 231 COVID-19 patients with rheumatic diseases were identified and analyzed.
  • The review synthesized findings on disease presentation, outcomes, and therapeutic considerations.

Main Results:

  • Out of 231 identified COVID-19 patients with rheumatic diseases, only one was a child.
  • A mortality rate of 3.9% (9 patients) was observed among the reviewed COVID-19 patients with rheumatic diseases.
  • Children generally experienced milder COVID-19 disease compared to adults.

Conclusions:

  • Patients with rheumatic diseases represent a vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Further research is needed to understand the reasons for milder COVID-19 in children and the potential benefits of vaccines and anti-rheumatic drugs.
  • Rheumatologists play a crucial role in the multidisciplinary management of COVID-19, especially in patients with rheumatic conditions.

Keywords:
COVID-19COVID-19 virusFamilial Mediterranean feverRheumatic diseaseSARS-CoV-2Systemic lupus erythematosus

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