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COVID-19 and COPD: a narrative review of the basic science and clinical outcomes
Andrew Higham1, Alexander Mathioudakis2, Jørgen Vestbo2
1Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK Andrew.Higham@manchester.ac.uk.
Abstract:
The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Clinical outcomes, including mortality, are worse in males, older individuals and patients with comorbidities. COPD patients are included in shielding strategies due to their susceptibility to virus-induced exacerbations, compromised pulmonary function and high prevalence of associated comorbidities. Using evidence from basic science and cohort studies, this review addresses key questions concerning COVID-19 and COPD. First, are there mechanisms by which COPD patients are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection? Secondly, do inhaled corticosteroids offer protection against COVID-19? And, thirdly, what is the evidence regarding clinical outcomes from COVID-19 in COPD patients? This up-to-date review tackles some of the key issues which have significant impact on the long-term outlook for COPD patients in the context of COVID-19.
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