In Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), the most common chronic inflammatory joint disease, autoantibodies attack the joints and cause joint destruction. Below are COVID news and research updates that specifically relate to RA.
Researchers in Hungary investigated the efficacy of COVID-19 boosters in patients with autoimmune rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. They also studied whether a SARS-CoV-2 infection following a two-dose primary series increased antibody production by the immune system in lieu of a booster.
Read More »Researchers created an online questionnaire for RA and AIRD patients to self-report short-term COVID-19 vaccine-related adverse events. Vaccines included in the study were Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Covaxin, and Sinopharm. The most common coexisting autoimmune diseases were thyroid disorders, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren’s syndrome (10.0%, 2.6%, and 2.5%, respectively).
Read More »Whether AIRD flares were associated with the vaccination or just happened by chance around the time following vaccination is not clear. In a new study from the UK, researchers asked whether vaccination against COVID-19 is associated with AIRD flare.
Read More »Those suffering from systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of severe outcomes from a COVID-19 infection. Due to factors such as altered immunity or the use of immunosuppressive medications, they may also be at risk of developing Long COVID.
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