Uncovering the Role of COVID-19 in Rheumatic Disease, with Leonard Calabrese, DO

Ongoing research is uncovering hidden links between rheumatology and virology. This research has become more pertinent in recent years against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is little evidence today that COVID-19, particularly as it has evolved into a more benign disease, does little to alter the course of most rheumatic diseases. Now that's a generalization, and there are exceptions at both ends,” Leonard H. Calabrese, DO, Professor of Medicine and Vice Chair, Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, told HCPLive in a recent interview.

Calabrese gave a talk on the role of viral infections in the field of rheumatology at the recent 2024 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology (CCR) West meeting, held in San Diego, California, on September 26-29.Viral infections are an important consideration when diagnosing and managing patients with rheumatic diseases, as they can play a role in their etiology and comorbidities and can be affected by certain treatment regimens.

In this clip, Calabrese spoke specifically about special considerations in patients with rheumatic diseases and COVID-19. These considerations include complications in immunosuppressed patients, and COVID-19's role in promoting inflammation. He touched on some conditions which may be produced by COVID-19, including Sjogren disease, multi system inflammatory syndrome in adults, and COVID-related anti-MDA5 (Melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5) myositis.

“There's a great debate going on right now whether COVID-19 induces rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, children's[arthritis]and lupus, and all I can say is the data are far from clear. Stay tuned,” Calabrese said.

Relevant disclosures for Calabrese include AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Galvani, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Regeneron, Sanofi and UCB. Quotes have been edited for clarity.

REFERENCE
Calabrese LH. Viral Infections in Rheumatic Disease 2024: Etiology Management and Prevention. Presented at: 2024 CCR West Meeting; San Diego, California; September 26-29.