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


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.

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.

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).

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.

SUBMITTER: Ammitzboll C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8212085 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

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

Ammitzbøll Christian C   Andersen Jakob Bøgh JB   Vils Signe Risbøl SR   Mistegaard Clara Elbaek CE   Mikkelsen Susan S   Erikstrup Christian C   Thomsen Marianne Kragh MK   Hauge Ellen-Margrethe EM   Troldborg Anne A  

Arthritis care & research 20220804 11


<h4>Objective</h4>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.<h4>Methods</h4>More than 900 participants were included: 405 patients with RA or SLE  ...[more]

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