COVID-19 pandemic impairs medical care of vasculitis patients in Germany: Results of a national patient survey

oleh: Anna Kernder, Anna Kernder, Tim Filla, Tim Filla, Kirsten de Groot, Bernhard Hellmich, Julia Holle, Peter Lamprecht, Frank Moosig, Nikolas Ruffer, Nikolas Ruffer, Christof Specker, Stefan Vordenbäumen, Matthias Schneider, Matthias Schneider, Gamal Chehab, Gamal Chehab

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Frontiers Media S.A. 2023-01-01

Deskripsi

ObjectiveTo analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical care and vaccination acceptance of vasculitis patients in Germany.MethodsA web-based national survey was developed by rheumatology centers and vasculitis patient advocacy groups. The survey was distributed nationwide by mail and flyers and could be accessed via a QR-code or weblink from December 2021 to April 2022. Descriptive statistics [mean, median, standard derivation (SD), 25%, 75% quantile] were calculated. 95% confidence intervals were presented for responses that were directly related to the impact of COVID-19 on parameters associated with vasculitis patient care.ResultsThe online survey was completed by 117 patients with small and large vessel vasculitis [granulomatosis with polyangiitis (n = 69), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (n = 16), microscopic polyangiitis (n = 12), giant cell arteritis (n = 17) and Takayasu's arteritis (n = 3)]. Prescheduled rheumatological appointments had been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 12.6% of the respondents [95% confidence interval (CI), 7.3–20.0%); in 9% (95% CI, 4.5–15.6%)] appointments had been replaced by digital services. Therapeutic regimens were changed (shifted, reduced, or discontinued) due to the pandemic in 15.5% (95% CI 9.5–22.2%). Vaccination coverages were generally high compared to patients with other rheumatic diseases and the general population. Highest vaccination coverage was observed against COVID-19 (98.1% 95% CI 93.9–99.6%).ConclusionVasculitis patients experienced changes in medical care during COVID-19 pandemic such as cancelation of prescheduled rheumatology appointments and modifications in therapeutic regimens. The overall acceptance rate for vaccination was comparatively high, particularly for vaccination against COVID-19.