Risk Factors for COVID-19 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A National, ENEIDA-Based Case-Control Study (COVID-19-EII)

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Limited data exists on factors influencing COVID-19 acquisition in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.
• Understanding these characteristics is crucial for risk stratification and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with COVID-19 infection in patients with IBD.
• To compare characteristics between IBD patients who contracted COVID-19 and those who did not.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide case-control study was conducted using data from the ENEIDA registry of GETECCU.
• Included 496 COVID-19 cases and 964 controls with IBD from March to July 2020.
• Analyzed basal characteristics, comorbidities, occupational risk, and medication use.

Main Results:

• No differences in baseline characteristics were observed between cases and controls.
• Higher Charlson comorbidity scores (24% vs. 19%) and occupational risk (28% vs. 10.5%) were more frequent in COVID-19 cases.
• Strict lockdown was the sole protective factor (OR: 0.1), while moderate Charlson score (OR: 2.7), occupational risk (OR: 2.9), and 5-aminosalicylate use (OR: 1.7) were risk factors.
• No increased risk was associated with systemic steroids, immunosuppressants, or biologics.

Conclusions:

• Comorbidities and occupational exposure are significant risk factors for COVID-19 in IBD patients.
• Immunosuppressants and biologics do not appear to increase COVID-19 risk.
• A potential association between 5-aminosalicylates and COVID-19 risk warrants further investigation.