Infección por COVID-19 en pacientes de 18 a 90 años con enfermedades reumatológicas inflamatorias sistémicas crónicas en el Hospital de Especialidades Teodoro Maldonado Carbo durante el periodo de marzo de 2020 a mayo de 2022.

Abstract

Autoimmune Systemic Rheumatologic Diseases (ASRDs), like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, arise from pathological immune responses against self-tissues due to acquired and genetic defects in immune regulation. Therapy has progressed to biological drugs (BDMs) inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines, T and B cell activation, and kinase inhibitors. In the context of severe COVID-19 infection, an excessive inflammatory response known as "cytokine storm" is observed. The relationship between ASRDs and the risk of severe COVID-19 infection is a subject of study and concern. ASRD patients often have altered immune systems due to autoimmunity and immunosuppressive treatments, potentially affecting responses to infections, including SARS-CoV-2. ASRD patients might have a higher infection risk and comorbidities like heart disease and diabetes, worsening COVID-19 severity. Altered immune response predisposes to excessive inflammation in COVID-19. Since cytokines are also relevant in ASRDs, uncontrolled inflammatory responses are concerning. This study explores the ASRD-COVID-19 relationship in patients from Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Specialties Hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador, through an observational, descriptive study using variables and tools previously established by the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance. It is important to note that this relationship is still being investigated and understood. Studies have yielded mixed results regarding whether ASRD-COVID-19 patients might have a significantly higher risk of severe disease compared to the general population.