Unexpected Positive Effects of Rituximab and Corticosteroids on Covid-19 in a Patient Suffering From Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Publisher

Summary: A case indicates that immunosuppressive drugs may not worsen COVID-19 severity in patients with autoimmune disorders, suggesting possible protective effects. Should we rethink treatment strategies? #Autoimmunity #COVID19

Salesi M ; Shojaie B ; Naderi Z
Source: Advanced Biomedical Research Published:2021

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns among physicians and patients with autoimmune disorders about how this viral infection affects the patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs. There are speculations about a higher incidence and severity of COVID-19 in patients receiving a variety of immunosuppressant drugs. However, we reported the rapid recovery from COVID-19 in a 67-year-old male with granulomatosis with polyangiitis who did not experience severe symptoms of the COVID-19 as expected, despite having a history of serious lung involvement due to the autoimmune disease. He received conventional medications to treat COVID-19, though he had been receiving rituximab and corticosteroids before the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Prevention of the cytokine storm caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection owing to taking the immunosuppressive drugs (rituximab and corticosteroids) could be a reason for these unexpected observations. Therefore, this case showed that taking immunosuppressive drugs is unlikely to be directly related to the increased severity of COVID-19. © 2023 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.