The Frequency of COVID-19 Infection in Psoriasis Patients Treated with Immunosuppressive and Immunomodulatory Drugs

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences ,Isfahan, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences ,Isfahan, Iran

3 General Practitioner, Department of Dermatology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis patients treated with immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs are at higher risk of infections, as infections can also trigger psoriasis. The aim of this study is to investigate the rate of COVID-19 infection with different severity of symptoms in psoriasis patients treated with immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during the summer of 2021 in Isfahan city. The studied population comprised psoriasis patients with electronic medical records in Siddiqa Tahereh Medical Center and Al-Zahra Hospital. Phone interviews were conducted with patients to gather information on the duration of psoriasis disease, drug used, dosage, history of COVID-19 infection, disease severity (hospitalization, mortality) and the recurrence or exacerbation of psoriasis following COVID-19 infection.
Findings: 38% of psoriasis patients treated with immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs were infected with COVID-19, 75% were outpatients and 23.5% were hospitalized. Of the psoriatic patients, 39% treated with Methotrexate (MTX), 40% treated with Adalimumab, and 48% treated with Infliximab reported a history of COVID-19 disease. psoriasis recurrence following COVID-19 was observed in 22% of patients. The most history of infection with COVID-19 was reported in psoriasis patients treated with Infliximab, Adalimumab, and MTX, respectively.
Conclusion: By suppressing the immune system and reducing its function, immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs can directly increase COVID-19 risk and severity in psoriasis patients.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 41, Issue 722
2nd Week, August
July and August 2023
Pages 438-445

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History

  • Receive Date: 29 December 2021
  • Revise Date: 08 August 2023
  • Accept Date: 21 June 2023

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