COVID-19 Infection Rates, Attitudes and Therapeutic Adherence in Patients with Rheumatological Diseases

U.O. di Medicina Interna, AORN S. Anna e S. Sebastiano Caserta, Italy
Ambulatorio e DH di Reumatologia, PSI Napoli Est ASL Napoli 1 Centro, Italy
UOC di Medicina Interna, Ospedale V. Monaldi, Azienda dei Colli, Napoli, Italy

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Health Sci J

Abstract:

Objectives: To evaluate the SARS-COVID 2 infection rate in arthritis patients receiving biotech drug therapy. Methods: Telephone interview. Results: 226 respondents. COVID 19 symptoms were reported in 24 (10.6%); of these 33.3% discontinued therapy; 75% in therapy presented moderate disease activity. 41.5% vaccinated. Post vaccination antibody assay performed in 7.9% of patients. Two hospitalized patients. Comorbidities found: mood deflection 62%, obesity: 63.4%, dyslipidemia: 54%, type 2 diabetes mellitus: 52%, thyroid disorders: 47%, hypertension 32%, metabolic syndrome: 32%; respiratory diseases: 16%. The 24 patients who reported symptoms of infection were 20 women and 4 men, with an average age of 55, 11 had rheumatoid arthritis, 10 had psoriatic arthritis, 3 had spondyloarthritis. Drugs used were: anti TNF: 60%, anti IL17 30% anti CTLA4 6%, ts DMARDs 3% anti IL12/23 1%. The symptoms reported were: headache 90%, arthralgia 90%, myalgia 83%, fever 40%, dyspnoea 10%, ageusia 15%, anosmia 15%, asthenia 64%, cough 16%. Conclusions: the COVID 19 positive rate was similar to the general population with milder symptoms, two patients were hospitalized. Staying at home contributed to the development of mood deflection and weight gain which affected the activity of the disease, increased in two thirds of patients.

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