COVID-19 and Rheumatology
‘We are going to have difficulty’: Untangling causes of fatigue, long COVID remains elusive
Developing myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is significantly more likely after a case of COVID-19, an important connection for rheumatologists as they sort through symptoms and medical histories for a diagnosis, data show.
‘Healthy skepticism,’ shifting protocols may fuel COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, fatigue
Inconsistent messaging and evolving recommendations surrounding COVID-19 vaccination protocols may have contributed to both hesitancy and fatigue regarding vaccines among patients, according to experts.
Pemivibart only option against ‘false reassurance’ of reduced SARS-CoV-2 virulence
The next phase of pre-exposure prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2 currently rests on the shoulders of a single monoclonal antibody product — but it may not be enough for immunocompromised populations.
Long term autoimmune, autoinflammatory disease risk significantly higher after COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially a severe case or without vaccination, significantly increases the long-term risk for developing autoimmune and autoinflammatory connective tissue diseases, according to data published in JAMA Dermatology.
Severe infection, rituximab use predict long COVID in patients with autoimmune disease
WASHINGTON — Severe acute COVID-19 infection, as well as glucocorticoid and rituximab use, increase the risk for long COVID in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, according to data presented at ACR Convergence 2024.
Post-exertional malaise assessment ‘becoming more important’ for long COVID in rheum care
WASHINGTON — Approximately 20% of patients meeting the 2016 fibromyalgia criteria report post-exertional malaise, which itself may be key to understanding both long COVID and fatigue in patients with rheumatic diseases, according to data.
Autoantibodies present in long COVID, but not a ‘smoking gun’ for new autoimmune disease
WASHINGTON — The correlation between autoantibodies and new-onset autoimmune disease in individuals with long COVID symptoms remains “controversial,” according to a speaker at ACR Convergence 2024.
Low IL-18 levels may predict long COVID risk in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases
WASHINGTON — Among patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases, circulating interleukin-18 levels were lower in those with long COVID vs. those without, according to data presented at ACR Convergence 2024.
Withholding JAK, IL-17 inhibitors fails to improve COVID-19 vaccine booster response
WASHINGTON — Withholding Janus kinase or interleukin-17 inhibitors from patients with rheumatoid arthritis or spondyloarthritis does not significantly benefit COVID-19 booster response, according to data presented at ACR Convergence 2024.
Rheumatic disease activity at time of COVID-19 vaccination drives subsequent flare risk
Higher disease activity and medication reduction at COVID-19 vaccination increase the risk for subsequent flares in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, according to data published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.