Chronic Rheumatic Disease Patients Research Articles

Isolation, Behavioral Changes, and Low Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

ObjectivePatients with chronic rheumatic diseases (CRDs), such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), require special attention during the COVID‐19 pandemic as they are considered at risk of severe infections. Our objective was to assess the seroprevalence of SARS–CoV‐2 in patients with SLE and RA and to assess patient behavior, disease‐related symptoms, and mental health.MethodsMore than 900 participants were included: 405 patients with RA or SLE (CRD patients) and 513 blood donors. All participants had blood SARS–CoV‐2 total antibodies measured (sensitivity 96.7%, specificity 99.5%) and answered a questionnaire concerning behavior, anxiety, and symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9). The CRD patients were further asked about physical activity, adherence to medication, and disease‐related symptoms.ResultsCRD patients had a significantly lower seroprevalence of SARS–CoV‐2 antibodies (n = 1 of 365, 0.3%) compared to blood donors (n = 10 of 513, 1.9%; P = 0.03). Almost 60% of patients were unable to exercise as usual, and increased pain and disease activity was experienced by 34% and 24% of patients, respectively. Almost 10% of patients reduced or discontinued their immunosuppressive treatments at their own initiative. Symptoms of moderate depression were present in 19% of patients compared to 6.8% of blood donors (P < 0.001).ConclusionLow seroprevalence in patients with CRDs indicates successful mitigation of exposure to SARS–CoV‐2. However, this mitigation appears to occur at the expense of physical activity, experience of increased pain, disease activity, and symptoms of depression. There is a need for care providers to be aware of these negative side effects and for further studies to investigate the possible long‐term consequences.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Resultant Lockdown in India on Patients with Chronic Rheumatic Diseases: An Online Survey

Background: Impact of COVID-19 pandemic and consequential lockdown in India, on patients with chronic rheumatic diseases (CRD) pertaining these components of interest: (a) physical health, (b) mental health, (c) facets of social well-being, (d) health-care accessibility, and (e) COVID-19 related knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) was assessed.Methods: An online/onsite self-reported questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was utilized to capture responses during May 20, 2020, to June 6, 2020, from CRD (both inflammatory and non-inflammatory) patients satisfying eligibility criteria, at a tertiary hospital in India. Adverse impact was defined as strong agreement/agreement on Likert scale to an impact on the individual components of interest.Results: From 1533 completed responses analyzed, adverse impact was noted on physical health (32.3%), mental health (42.9%), social health (54.8%), occupational life (55.9%), and financial condition (54.4%). Self-reported COVID-19 diagnosis (1.4%), flare/possible flare of CRD (41.3%), and symptoms of mental distress (64%) were also reported. Awareness and utilization of tele-video consultation (TVC) were 27.3% and 11.2%, respectively, with 89.9% expressing difficulty in procuring medication. COVID-19 KAP assessment revealed awareness of COVID-19 suspect symptoms and safety practices to be >60% and >70% respectively, with safety adherence being >75%.Conclusion: Majority of respondents reported adverse impact on social health, occupational life, financial condition, and interruption of CRD management, possibly complicated by the lack of awareness and low utilization of TVC. Although mental distress was greatly reported in the participants, a general preponderance toward self-education of current scenario and safety adherence was noted, indicating a favorable reception of future health-care directives.