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Decrease of infectious complications in outpatients with autoimmune diseases from 2019 to 2020 under the COVID-19

Yumiko Oka1, Takao Kodera1, Miki Takeshita1

  • 1Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.

Modern Rheumatology
|December 17, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic led to fewer infections, like pneumonia and influenza, in autoimmune disease patients. Increased mask use and hand sanitizer adoption likely contributed to this decline.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Autoimmune diseases require careful management of infection risks.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic prompted significant public health measures and lifestyle changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on infectious complications in outpatients with autoimmune diseases.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective, record-linked cohort study and lifestyle questionnaire were used.
  • Data were collected from outpatients in 2019 and 2020.

Main Results:

  • Infections, including pneumonia and influenza, significantly decreased in 2020 compared to 2019.
  • Increased use of immunomodulating agents was observed in 2020.
  • Patients reported increased mask use (75%) and hand sanitizer use (81%) during the pandemic.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a reduction in certain infectious complications among autoimmune disease outpatients.
  • Public health interventions and patient behavioral changes may have played a role in this decrease.
Abstract

Keywords:
Autoimmune diseasecovid-19infectious complicationoutpatients

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