The Association Between Sars-Cov-2 Infection and Increase in Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients of Project Reumacov in Manaus/Amazonas

Abstract

BACKGROUNDViral infections can not only be a trigger, but a worsening factor in the context of immune mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRDs). Thus, it is important to measure the impact of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection, also known as COVID-19, in IRMDs' activity. This study has the objective of testing the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and increase in disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients at the research center located in Manaus, Amazonas state. METHODSIt is a prospective observational study with a comparison group, based on the analysis of data from patients with rheumatoid arthritis of Project Reumacov, organized by the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology, localized in Manaus, Amazonas. Case and control groups included, respectively, patients with and without current or previous suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection according to Brazilian Ministry of Health criteria. There was a presential visit to collect the clinical disease activity index (CDAI) at the moment of inclusion. Previous CDAI was obtained from most recent records until six months before the presential visit, prioritizing a value before COVID-19 symptoms in the case group. It was analyzed the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and increase in CDAI. Chi-squared and Fisher tests were used in the statistical analysis. The study was approved by the ethical committee.