Rheumatoid Arthritis and COVID-19 at the Intersection of Immunology and Infectious Diseases: A Related PRISMA Systematic Literature Review. (PubMed, Int J Mol Sci)
With respect to immunosuppressive treatment used to control RA, it was observed that glucocorticoids (especially high-dose usage) and Rituximab (RTX) predispose the patients to poor SARS-CoV-2 outcomes, as opposed to Baricitinib and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors. COVID-19 vaccination has proven effective and generally safe for RA patients in some studies, although therapies with Methotrexate (MTX), Abatacept (ABA), and RTX have been associated with impaired vaccine immune response. This systematic literature review brings updated and thorough information with respect to the immunological, clinical, and management of a complex immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) like RA in the setting of COVID-19 and underlines the challenges faced by this group of patients. The lessons learned can be extended beyond the pandemic in shaping a more informed and compassionate healthcare system and offering long-term medical care for patients with RA.