Zeitschrift für Rheumatologie
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The currently disseminating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and limited capacities in outpatient rheumatological care, pose questions about possible alternatives to clinical visits, also in view of the digital revolution. It is unclear whether and to what extent patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases are willing and in a position to deal with the new media, such as video consultation. ⋯ Not all patients can or want to participate in video consultations and the willingness declines with increasing age. The estimation of the meaningfulness of video consultations by physicians was also limited to approximately one third of the patients surveyed. This must be taken into consideration for the future planning of video consultations.
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In March 2020 the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic disseminated initially especially in Bavaria. At that time data on patients with rheumatic diseases and immunomodulatory treatment was lacking. ⋯ The total lack of confirmed SARS-CoV‑2 infections in an otherwise strongly affected region could indicate that the infection risk for SARS-CoV‑2 is not substantially increased for patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. A continuation of most immunosuppressive medications therefore seems reasonable during the ongoing pandemic.