Prevalence and Risk Factors of COVID-19 Reinfection in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis:A Retrospective Observational Study
- Author:
Young-Eun KIM
1
;
Soo Min AHN
;
Ji Seon OH
;
Seokchan HONG
;
Chang‑Keun LEE
;
Bin YOO
;
Yong‑Gil KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Yonsei Medical Journal 2024;65(11):645-650
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:To identify the prevalence and risk factors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reinfection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Materials and Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed patients with RA with a documented COVID-19 infection between January 2021 and December 2022 at a tertiary hospital in Seoul, South Korea. Reinfection was defined as a subsequent positive test result for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 at least 3 months after the initial infection. Cox proportional hazards models with backward elimination were employed to assess the association between potential risk factors and risk of reinfection.
Results:Of 351 included patients with RA {female, 81.5%; median age, 58.0 years [interquartile range (IQR), 48.0–66.0]}, 252 (71.8%) were treated with methotrexate and 12 (3.4%) received leflunomide during the initial infection. Over a median follow-up of 1.5 (IQR, 1.1–1.6) years, 43 (12.3%) patients experienced reinfection, equating to an incidence rate of 8.97 per 100 patient-years.The median time interval between infections was 0.8 (IQR, 0.6–1.2) years. Among the risk factors, leflunomide use showed a significant association with reinfection (hazard ratio, 2.968; 95% confidence interval, 1.057–8.335; p=0.039). However, no significant changes occurred in disease activity following reinfection [disease activity score using 28 joints: baseline median, 2.3 (IQR, 1.9– 2.8); post-reinfection median, 2.3 (IQR, 1.8–2.6), p for change=0.895].
Conclusion:In this retrospective cohort study of patients with RA with COVID-19 infection, approximately 12% of patients experienced reinfection without significant change in disease activity. Leflunomide use was associated with a higher risk of reinfection.
