Top in rheumatology: Autoimmune disease and COVID-19, ‘KawaCOVID’ in children

Researchers in Spain found that patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease had a greater risk for developing severe COVID-19 pneumonia than the general population.

The increased risk was attributed to the presence of comorbidities, underlying disease activity and immunodepression. A review of the study findings was the top story in rheumatology last week.

Another top story was about a study comparing Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (MIS-C) with Kawasaki disease. The cohort included 96 children with Kawasaki disease and 53 identified as having Kawasaki disease-like multisystemic disease, or “KawaCOVID.”

Read these and more top stories in rheumatology below:

Autoimmune disease, rituximab linked to higher risk for severe COVID-19 pneumonia

Patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease, but especially those with autoimmune conditions, as well as those treated with rituximab, may be at greater risk for severe COVID-19 pneumonia than the general population, according to data. Read more.

COVID-19 positivity, myocarditis distinguish MIS-C from Kawasaki disease

COVID-19 positivity, older age at onset, and the presence of myocarditis are more common with multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children than with Kawasaki disease, according to data published Pediatric Rheumatology. Read more.

COVID-19 more severe than influenza in patients with autoimmune disease

COVID-19 is more severe, with more complications and higher mortality, than influenza among patients with autoimmune disease, according to data published in Rheumatology. Read more.

GiACTA: Giant cell arteritis remission maintained in 42% of patients after drug cessation

A substantial proportion of patients who received tocilizumab for giant cell arteritis for 1 year remain in drug-free remission throughout the 2 years after ceasing therapy, according to data published in The Lancet Rheumatology. Read more.

ACR COVID-19 vaccine guidance weighs risk with 'no data': What to tell your patients

Working with minimal data and the pressure of the pandemic, the American College of Rheumatology put together guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination in individuals with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. Read more.