[COVID-19 in Routine Rheumatologic Care]

Since the first case of coronavirus infection with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and the associated COVID-19 (corona virus disease 2019) it has become a worldwide pandemic. This leads to persistent and far-reaching consequences for the health system and society as a whole. Our patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases were initially considered to be at high risk of contracting SARS-CoV‑2, especially if they were on immunosuppressive and/or immunomodulatory therapy (DMARD). It was assumed that a severe COVID-19 course could occur in case of infection. Although PCR diagnosis is generally considered the gold standard for early diagnosis of active infection with SARS-CoV‑2, it has been shown that it should not always be used to confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19. Therefore, complementary antibody testing for SARS-CoV‑2 could be useful in cases of clinical suspicion and negative PCR for diagnostic confirmation of COVID-19, even retrospectively. Apparently, patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease and under DMARD therapy are not particularly at risk in case of SARS-CoV‑2 infection. Whether this is due to better hygiene measures or increased contact restrictions of patients with underlying inflammatory rheumatic disease, or whether ongoing DMARD therapy offers some protection against a severe course of COVID-19, is still to be clarified. The important questions about the tolerability and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination have yet to be answered. In summary, there is still a clear need for research to better advise our patients.