New Information on COVID-19 Hospitalization Risk among People with Lupus
COVID-19-positive people with rheumatic disease, such as lupus, and that receive ≥10 mg/day of glucocorticoids (man-made steroids), such as Prednisone, are more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19. The findings are new insights captured through the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance registry. In contrast, people taking anti-malarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like Ibuprofen, were not at an increased risk of hospitalization. And use of Anti-TNF-alpha or biologics (Enbrel, Humira, Cimzia, Simponi and Remicade) was associated with lower odds of hospitalization.
The global registry reviewed 600 cases from 40 countries of people with rheumatic disease, such as lupus, and COVID-19. Nearly half of the cases were hospitalized (277, 46%) and 55 (9%) died. Older age (over 65 years) and presence of comorbidities, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and end-stage renal (kidney) disease had higher odds of hospitalization. A higher percentage of people who were hospitalized had lupus and vasculitis (17% and 9%, respectively) versus those who were not hospitalized (11% and 5%, respectively).
The global registry enables healthcare providers around the world to access online portals and share case reports that shed light on how people with diseases like lupus are responding to COVID-19 helping to answer questions about susceptibility and treatment. The Lupus Foundation of America proudly supports the registry and will continue to report on its findings as new data is released and analyzed. Learn more about the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance Registry.