VANCOUVER, BC , Aug. 9, 2022 /CNW/ – People living with autoimmune rheumatic diseases and transplant recipients face an increased risk of complications and death from COVID-19, according to a new Arthritis study Research Canada.
The researchers looked specifically at COVID-19 hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, ventilation, and mortality among people who have autoimmune types of arthritis and found that they have a 30% higher risk of hospitalization and admission to the ICU. They are also 60% more likely to be placed on a ventilator. These risks vary with different types of autoimmune rheumatic disease.
For people living with ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease that affects the spine and causes bones to fuse together, these risks are even greater. The research showed a 103% increased risk of ICU admission, a 163% increased risk of being placed on a ventilator and a 118% increased risk of death. The reason for this increased risk is unknown, but may be related to persistent chest immobility and impaired respiratory function.
“These findings demonstrate the need for further research into the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination in vulnerable groups of people,” said Shelby Marozoff, research coordinator at Arthritis Research Canada. “It is concerning that the risk of death attributable to COVID is increased by 24% for people living with autoimmune rheumatic diseases and that the risk of death in transplant recipients is five times greater than in the general population.”
This study also demonstrates that care teams in rheumatology and transplant medicine practices need to provide careful care to people with autoimmune arthritis types to support early diagnosis of COVID-19 and care interventions , as well as prompt treatment with new therapies, such as oral antivirals. therapies indicated for adults with mild to moderate COVID-19.
Mask mandates and paid sick leave can also continue to be effective tools to reduce the number of people infected with COVID and suffering serious complications.
“This research will ensure that patients with autoimmune disease are treated more urgently after a positive COVID test,” said Dr. Antonio Aviña-Zubieta, rheumatologist and senior scientist at Arthritis Research Canada. “To improve outcomes, decision-makers must consider vulnerable people, including the chronically ill, when making public health decisions.”
For more information on this research, click here.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people with arthritis. Patients are at highest risk for heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in the legs and lungs during the first year after diagnosis, when inflammation is also at its peak. To learn more about how Arthritis Research Canada is addressing this serious complication for people living with different types of arthritis, click here.
ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:
Arthritis Research Canada is the largest arthritis clinical research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people with arthritis through research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Diane Lacaille, leads a team of more than 100 researchers, trainees and staff, world-renowned research is creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research across Canada in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec and is affiliated with five major universities: the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, the University of Calgary, Laval University and the McGill University. Arthritis Research Canada leads research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, new and better treatment and improved quality of life.
SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada
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