COVID-19: Overview of Rheumatology Fellows

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• The global spread of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) since December 2019 has presented a significant health emergency.
• The pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global health systems, necessitating rapid adaptation in patient care.
• A lack of established therapeutic guidelines and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for COVID-19 treatment created treatment challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the role of rheumatologists on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To explore the adaptation of rheumatological expertise and existing drug knowledge for novel coronavirus disease management.
• To report on the use of established arthritis and giant cell arteritis medications in treating COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

• Observational approach based on clinical experience and case series.
• Leveraging prior knowledge of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs used in rheumatological conditions.
• Application of off-label drug use for COVID-19 treatment by frontline clinicians.

Main Results:

• Rheumatologists adapted their clinical activities and training to manage COVID-19 patients.
• Experience with drugs for arthritis and giant cell arteritis informed treatment decisions.
• Existing rheumatological medications were repurposed for COVID-19 treatment.

Conclusions:

• Rheumatologists played a crucial role in managing COVID-19 patients, particularly in the absence of specific therapies.
• Repurposing of established rheumatological drugs provided a therapeutic avenue for COVID-19.
• The pandemic underscored the adaptability of medical specialists in responding to global health crises.