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Rheumatoid arthritis and COVID-19 outcomes: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

Liang Jin1,2, Jianping Gan3, Xuewei Li4

  • 1Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China. jinghong0844@163.com.

BMC Rheumatology
|November 12, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis face higher risks of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, ICU admission, and death. However, rheumatoid arthritis does not significantly increase the risk of severe COVID-19 disease.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
  • Understanding COVID-19 risks in RA patients is crucial for public health.
  • Systematic reviews are needed to consolidate evidence on COVID-19 outcomes in RA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.
  • To assess the risk and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
  • To evaluate COVID-19 infection, severity, hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality rates in RA patients.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic search across four electronic databases.
  • Quality assessment using Newcastle–Ottawa scale and Joanna Briggs Institute checklist.
  • Meta-analysis and statistical analyses performed using STATA 14 software.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence rates in RA patients: COVID-19 (11%), severe COVID-19 (18%), hospitalization (29%), ICU admission (10%), death (8%).
  • RA associated with increased risk of COVID-19 infection (OR 1.045), hospitalization (OR 1.319), ICU admission (OR 1.498), and death (OR 1.377).
  • No significant association found between RA and severe COVID-19 (OR 1.354).

Conclusions:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis patients have a significantly higher risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, ICU admission, and death.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis is not significantly associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19.
  • Tailored management and vigilant monitoring are essential for COVID-19 outcomes in RA patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19Meta-analysisRheumatoid arthritisSystematic review

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