The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patients with ANCA associated vasculitis.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought on challenges not only to acute care, but also chronic care of patients Individuals maintained on immunosuppression appear to be especially susceptible to COVID-19 infection Patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) frequently require immunosuppression and may be at increased risk for developing COVID-19 The incidence and impact of COVID-19 on patients with AAV is currently not known We aimed to investigate this impact via a telephone questionnaire-based patient survey and chart review METHODS: A cross-sectional study of AAV patients followed at two centers was conducted Data regarding demographics, disease characteristics and therapy were confirmed by chart review A telephone survey was conducted to ascertain symptoms and contact exposure related to COVID-19, as well as changes in health care delivery during the pandemic period between January and July, 2020 RESULTS: Of the 206 patients surveyed, the median age was 64 years, 51% were female and mean (SD) disease duration was 7 (5) years The majority had kidney (n = 160) and lung (n = 108) involvement Seventy-five percent (n = 155) were receiving immunosuppression, with 77 patients (50%) receiving rituximab during the pandemic period Of the 10 patients tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) by PCR, three were positive Patients had a significant disruption in care;none had an in-person visit and 69% had a telemedicine consultation Rituximab maintenance was postponed in 21 patients Twelve patients experienced disease relapse CONCLUSION: The incidence of COVID-19 in patients with AAV appears to be similar to that of the general population For a patient population that requires active clinical surveillance, there is significant disruption in care as a result of the pandemic Reduction of immunosuppression may not be indicated, and the risk of relapse likely far outweighs the risk of COVID-19