Post-COVID-19 Condition has High Prevalence in Patients with Immune-mediated Inflammatory Diseases and Negatively Impacts Quality of Life.

INTRODUCTION

Pandemic situation by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and the associated disease (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) presents broad challenges. Post-COVID-19 condition represents a continuum of persistent symptoms following the acute course. The World Health Organization (WHO) proposes a definition with at least one symptom persisting for 3 months postonset. Negative affection toward quality of life (QoL) is frequently reported. Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatic diseases (RDs) are of scientific interest as immunologic factors and immunosuppressive therapy might influence QoL in post-COVID-19 conditions.

METHODS

Adult IMID patients (≥18 years) were offered participation in this study at our university outpatient center. Data collection was questionnaire-based and recorded individual COVID-19 history and persisting symptoms. QoL has been assessed by several standardized and validated patient-reported outcome measures (Short IBD Questionnaire and Patient Health Questionnaire 4, 5Q-5D-5L).

RESULTS

A total of 156 patients were included (117 [75%] with IBD, 39 [25%] with RDs). Eighty-one patients (51%) reported a positive COVID-19 history, mostly with mild courses. Only two (2%) required hospitalization, one requiring intensive care. Seven (9%) reported no symptoms, while 20 (25%) met the WHO criterion for post-COVID-19 condition; 19 (23%) were still suffering from post-COVID-19 at the time of data acquisition. Mean/median global QoL scores (scale from 0 [=lowest] to 100 [=highest]) were 71.5/75 in patients without post-COVID-19, compared to 61.9/60 in those with the condition. A one-sided t-test showed a significant association between post-COVID-19 and lower QoL (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

A relevant fraction of IMID patients suffered from post-COVID-19 condition. This condition negatively impacted the individual QoL.