International journal of rheumatic diseases
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People with rheumatic diseases (PRD) remain vulnerable in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. We formulated recommendations to meet the urgent need for a consensus for vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in PRD. ⋯ These recommendations provide guidance for COVID-19 vaccination in PRD. Most recommendations in this consensus are conditional, reflecting a lack of evidence or low-level evidence.
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Observational Study
Somatosensory dysfunction related neuropathic pain component affects disease activity, functional status and quality of life in ankylosing spondylitis.
To investigate the neuropathic pain (NP) component in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to assess the relations between NP and disease characteristics. ⋯ Our results revealed that the presence of NP component in patients with AS is associated with various disease-related variables, including pain, high disease activity, reduced mobility of the axial skeleton, depression and poor quality of life.
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Many patients turn to online platforms to obtain healthcare information, but the quality and accuracy of the information is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability and quality of the most viewed English-language YouTube videos on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). ⋯ Our findings highlight an abundance of YouTube videos with useful information on SLE, that are mostly reliable and of high quality. However, in order to effectively educate patients, pitfalls such as misleading content, falsely elevated video characteristics and non-professional sources need to be made known to patients. As part of holistic care, healthcare professionals should advise patients to seek information from reputed sources.
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To evaluate the presence of sarcopenia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ Longer disease duration and higher disease activity may provoke the development of sarcopenia due to chronic inflammation in patients with RA. Physicians should be aware of the development of sarcopenia during the course of disease and take into account the preservative and preventive methods against sarcopenia by encouraging them about exercise along with controlling disease activity.
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Multicenter Study
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with chronic rheumatic diseases: A study in 15 Arab countries.
To evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (COVID-19) on the access to rheumatology care for patients with chronic rheumatic diseases (CRD) in the Arab countries. ⋯ The current study highlights the deleterious consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the continuity of rheumatology care. Therefore, an action plan, including establishing a telemedicine platform, securing drug availability, and promoting medication persistence through the appropriate communication channels, is strongly recommended.