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Isolation, Behavioral Changes, and Low Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Source :
-
Arthritis care & research [Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken)] 2022 Nov; Vol. 74 (11), pp. 1780-1785. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Aug 04. - Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- Objective: Patients 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.<br />Methods: More 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.<br />Results: CRD 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).<br />Conclusion: Low 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.<br /> (© 2021 American College of Rheumatology.)
- Subjects :
- Humans
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
Seroepidemiologic Studies
Pain
COVID-19 epidemiology
Arthritis, Rheumatoid diagnosis
Arthritis, Rheumatoid epidemiology
Arthritis, Rheumatoid psychology
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic diagnosis
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic epidemiology
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic drug therapy
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2151-4658
- Volume :
- 74
- Issue :
- 11
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Arthritis care & research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 34057311
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1002/acr.24716