Effect of COVID-19 coronavirus infection on the course of rheumatoid arthritis

To date, there are numerous studies on the effect of COVID-19 on the course of autoimmune rheumatic diseases and the value of vaccination in preventing this dangerous viral infection.

Objective: to assess the effect of coronavirus infection on the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the severity of infection, the effect of current baseline therapy on infection outcomes, and the role of vaccination against COVID-19.

Patients and methods. 134 patients with a reliable diagnosis of RA were interviewed and their outpatient records analysed during the pandemic period from January 2020 to July 2021.

Results. Most of the patients were in the older age group (62.7 years on average), had an average disease duration of 13 years, low to moderate RA activity, comorbidities including arterial hypertension, excess body weight, type 2 diabetes mellitus, etc. All patients received synthetic basic anti-inflammatory drugs (BАID) and glucocorticoids (GC). Thirtyseven (27.6%) patients were vaccinated with the Sputnik V vaccine. Their adverse events were represented by soreness at the injection site (n=6) and transient flu-like syndrome (n=6). Worsening of joint syndrome was reported by 1 patient. COVID-19 was suffered by 43 patients, none of whom were vaccinated. 7 patients were hospitalized, 3 patients died (all had severe comorbidities). In the post-infection period, weakness (64%), memory impairment (48.7%), reduced ability to work (38.5%) persisted for a long time (42 days on average), which was due to the long withdrawal of BАID.

Conclusion. No exacerbations of the disease were noted in those vaccinated with Sputnik V. COVID-19 was detected in 43 (32.1%) patients, 7 of whom required hospitalization and 3 died. Exacerbation of RA in the post-infection period was associated with prolonged withdrawal of BАID.

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