POS1254 INCIDENCE AND OUTCOME OF COVID-19 IN ROUTINE RHEUMATOLOGY CARE: DATA FROM A SINGLE OUTPATIENT CENTER IN GERMANY

Background: Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and its associated disease COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) has become a worldwide pandemic since first cases in December 2019 Wuhan Province China. Until now little is known about the incidence course of routine setting rheumatology outpatient care. Objectives: Aim study was to identify with COVID-19, analyse outcome potential role antirheumatic medication. Methods: On occasion follow-up examination all consecutive patients our center were questioned history established typical symptoms or contacts period from March end 2020. Diagnostic work-up (results PCR antibody testing, imaging) documented. Antibody ELISA-tests (IgG, IgA, IgM, Euroimmun) performed reporting signs symptoms. Course divided 5 groups (mild, moderate, severe, most lethal). Results: About 2.000 screened. Positive findings for confirmed by serological testing detected n=33/2000 (1.65%) (n=14/33 (43%) rheumatoid arthritis (RA), n=8/33 (24%) psoriatic (PsA), n=7/33 (21%) spondyloarthritis (SpA), n=4/33 (12%) other diseases). No patient died no required intensive care invasive mechanical ventilation. N=2/33 (6%) suffered severe hospitalization, one these intermittent oxygen administration. Both had ongoing therapy modifying drugs (DMARDs). One SpA, RA. relevant comorbidities chronic lung breast cancer. Symptoms absent mild n=21/33 (64%) patients, moderate n=10/33 (30%). N=22/31 (71%) absent, treated at least DMARD. Conclusion: For an at-risk population, unexpectedly low. Overall, despite immunosuppressive therapy. This finding consistent published data single university (1) clinics (2). Possibly DMARD-therapy may protect against occurrence cytokine storm vasculitic complications, which lead courses lethal outcomes some patients. The support recommendation not discontinue DMARDs fear COVID-19. References: [1]Simon D et al. Patients immune-mediated inflammatory diseases receiving inhibitors have low prevalence seroconversion. Nat Commun. 2020 Jul 24;11(1):3774. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-17703-6. PMID: 32709909; PMCID: PMC7382482. [2]Gianfrancesco M Global Rheumatology Alliance. Characteristics hospitalisation people rheumatic disease: Alliance physician-reported registry. Ann Rheum Dis. Jul;79(7):859-866. 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-217871. Epub May 29. 32471903; PMC7299648. Disclosure Interests: None declared