COVID-19 infection and vaccination in patients with skeletal muscle channelopathies

Although we have gained insight into coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 since the beginning of the pandemic, our understanding of the consequences for patients with neuromuscular disorders is evolving. In this study we aimed to study the impact of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination on skeletal muscle channelopathies.

We conducted a survey of patients with genetically confirmed skeletal muscle channelopathies seen at the UK Nationally Commissioned Channelopathy Service.

Thirty-eight patient responses were received. Six patients had COVID-19 infection leading to exacerbation of their underlying muscle channelopathy. No major complications were reported. Thirty-six patients had received one or two COVID-19 vaccinations and the majority (68%) had no worsening of their underlying channelopathy. Thirty-two percent reported worsening of their usual symptoms of their muscle channelopathy, but all reported recovery to baseline levels. No serious adverse events were reported.

The overall rates of COVID-19 infection were low in our study and COVID-19 vaccine uptake rates were high. Our results have been useful to inform patients that a subset of patients have reversible worsening of their channelopathy post-COVID-19 vaccination. Our study provides information for giving advice to patients with skeletal muscle channelopathies regarding COVID-19 infection and vaccination.