Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and COVID-19

• Published in: Current rheumatology reports Vol. 25; no. 10; pp. 192 - 203
• Main Authors: Pappa, Maria, Panagiotopoulos, Alexandros, Thomas, Konstantinos, Fanouriakis, Antonis
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.10.2023
• Subjects: Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Rheumatology; Topical Collection on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Covid-19; Vaccination; Outcomes
• ISSN: 1523-3774; 1534-6307
• DOI: 10.1007/s11926-023-01110-z

Purpose of Review To describe the current state of knowledge regarding COVID-19 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We focus on (i) SARS-CoV-2 vaccination uptake, immunogenicity and safety, and (ii) outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with SLE and pertinent risk factors for adverse sequelae. Recent Findings Notwithstanding the potential concern of patients about possible post-vaccination side-effects, the safety of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with SLE has been undisputedly confirmed in numerous studies. Humoral immunogenicity is generally attained in SLE, although affected by the use of background immunosuppressive drugs, especially rituximab. The latter has also clearly been implicated with adverse COVID-19 outcomes in SLE, including need for hospitalization, mechanical ventilation and death. Summary Although the wide adoption of vaccination has significantly improved COVID-19 outcomes, patients with SLE continue to pose challenges during the pandemic, mainly owing to administered immunosuppressive medications.