Clinical signs, symptoms, and severity of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic diseases during the COVID-19 epidemic

Abstract

Introduction: Recent studies have shown that patients with rheumatic diseases are more likely to experience severe cases of COVID-19. Additionally, certain anti-inflammatory medications have been linked to a reduction in the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the frequency of clinical signs, symptoms, and severity of COVID-19 in outpatients with rheumatic diseases.Patients and Methods: A total of 77 patients with rheumatic disorders who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and referred to Isfahan rheumatology clinics in 2020 were selected for this study. The study investigated their clinical signs, symptoms, severity of COVID-19, type of rheumatic disease, and the medications they were using. Furthermore, the study examined the relationship between the severity of COVID-19 and the type of rheumatic disease.Results: Among the 77 patients, 79.2 had rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 9.1 had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 9.1 had Sjogren's syndrome, and 2.6 had other rheumatic disorders. The severity of COVID-19 was classified as mild in 40.3 of cases, moderate in 44.2, and severe in 15.6. There was no statistically significant relationship between the type of rheumatic disease and the severity of COVID-19 (P= 0.093).Conclusion: The findings suggest that patients with rheumatic diseases are more likely to experience severe cases of COVID-19. Conversely, the combination of hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, and prednisolone has been associated with a lower prevalence of severe cases of COVID-19. In contrast, the administration of methotrexate and prednisolone has been linked to a higher prevalence of severe cases of COVID-19.