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Immunosuppression as a risk factor for COVID-19: a meta-analysis
Daniel Tassone1, Alexander Thompson1, William Connell1
1Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Internal Medicine Journal
|February 25, 2021
Summary
Immunosuppressed patients do not face a significantly higher risk of COVID-19 infection compared to the general population. Current recommendations to continue immunosuppressant therapy are supported by this evidence.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Immunosuppression theoretically increases COVID-19 risk, but this relationship requires clarification.
- Understanding this risk is crucial for managing patients on immunosuppressants during the pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if immunosuppressed individuals have a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
- To inform clinical management strategies for immunosuppressant therapies amidst the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted.
- Data from six studies, encompassing 10,049 patients with COVID-19, were analyzed.
- Prevalence of immunosuppression in COVID-19 cohorts was compared to the general population using observed to expected ratios.
Main Results:
- The pooled prevalence of immunosuppression among COVID-19 patients was 0.637%.
- The observed to expected ratio of immunosuppression in COVID-19 patients was 0.12 (95% CI: 0.05-0.27).
- This indicates a lower-than-expected prevalence of immunosuppression in COVID-19 cohorts.
Conclusions:
- Immunosuppressed patients are not at a significantly increased risk of COVID-19 infection compared to the general population.
- Findings support current guidelines recommending the continuation of immunosuppressant therapy for patients without active COVID-19.
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