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Characterization of Immune Cells and Proinflammatory Mediators in the Pulmonary Environment
Published on: June 24, 2020
Targeting the Immune System for Pulmonary Inflammation and Cardiovascular Complications in COVID-19 Patients
Serena Colafrancesco1, Rossana Scrivo1, Cristiana Barbati1
1Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Insights
This review explores the potential of anti-rheumatic drugs as a treatment for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It provides the scientific rationale for using these immune-modulating therapies during the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, emerged in late 2019 and rapidly spread globally.
- Italy faced a significant health policy emergency with over 209,300 confirmed cases by May 2nd, 2020.
- Severe outcomes in COVID-19 patients necessitate urgent research into effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential therapeutic role of anti-rheumatic drugs in managing COVID-19.
- To provide the scientific rationale for employing these drugs in the context of the pandemic.
- To share expertise from the immune-rheumatologic field for COVID-19 treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and expert opinion synthesis.
- Analysis of existing data on anti-rheumatic drug mechanisms.
- Discussion of potential applications in COVID-19 treatment protocols.
Main Results:
- Anti-rheumatic drugs show promise as a treatment option for severe COVID-19.
- These therapies may modulate the immune response implicated in severe disease.
- Integration with antiviral, anticoagulant, and supportive care is considered.
Conclusions:
- Anti-rheumatic drugs represent a promising avenue for COVID-19 treatment, particularly for severe cases.
- Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate their efficacy and safety.
- Expertise in rheumatology can inform novel therapeutic strategies during the pandemic.
Abstract:
In December 2019, following a cluster of pneumonia cases in China caused by a novel coronavirus (CoV), named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the infection disseminated worldwide and, on March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization officially declared the pandemic of the relevant disease named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In Europe, Italy was the first country facing a true health policy emergency, and, as at 6.00 p.m. on May 2nd, 2020, there have been more than 209,300 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Due to the increasing number of patients experiencing a severe outcome, global scientific efforts are ongoing to find the most appropriate treatment. The usefulness of specific anti-rheumatic drugs came out as a promising treatment option together with antiviral drugs, anticoagulants, and symptomatic and respiratory support. For this reason, we feel a duty to share our experience and our knowledge on the use of these drugs in the immune-rheumatologic field, providing in this review the rationale for their use in the COVID-19 pandemic.
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