COVID-19 and Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Patients on disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) remain concerned about potential risks of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Meanwhile, several DMARDs have been proposed as COVID-19 therapies. RECENT FINDINGS: In patients with autoimmune diseases, baseline glucocorticoid use is associated with severe COVID-19. While classes of DMARDs (e.g., conventional synthetic, targeted synthetic, and biologic) do not appear to be associated with higher risk, specific medications such as rituximab and sulfasalazine may be associated. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) show that glucocorticoids reduce mortality in severe COVID-19. RCTs suggest other agents, such as baricitinib, may improve COVID-19 outcomes in certain populations. SUMMARY: Baseline glucocorticoid use raises the risk of severe COVID-19 in patients with autoimmune diseases, but glucocorticoids are an effective treatment for those with severe COVID-19. Further research is needed to inform DMARD management in autoimmune disease patients during the pandemic and the role of DMARDs in COVID-19 treatment.