Increased risk for long COVID associated with autoimmune rheumatic diseases
Patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRD) have an increased risk for long COVID, according to a study published online Oct. 14 in Arthritis & Rheumatology.
A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology reveals that patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRD) face a higher risk of developing long COVID. Researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle led the retrospective cohort study, which analyzed data from the National Clinical Cohort Collaborative. The findings indicate that long COVID affected 2.8% of patients with AIRD and 1.5% of non-AIRD controls, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.56.
Factors associated with an increased risk of long COVID among AIRD patients include higher severity of acute COVID-19, pulmonary disease, obesity, and exposure to rituximab or glucocorticoids. Notably, patients with Sjögren syndrome demonstrated a heightened risk of long COVID. The study emphasizes the necessity for targeted monitoring and further research into mechanisms and prevention strategies for long COVID in individuals with autoimmune diseases.
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