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.
© 2021 American College of Rheumatology.