TY - JOUR
T1 - Evidence-based best practice advice for patients treated with systemic immunosuppressants in relation to COVID-19
AU - Galimberti, Fabrizio
AU - McBride, Jeffrey
AU - Cronin, Megan
AU - Li, Yumeng
AU - Fox, Joshua
AU - Abrouk, Michael
AU - Herbst, Alexander
AU - Kirsner, Robert S.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2020
PY - 2020/11/1
Y1 - 2020/11/1
N2 - The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant uncertainty among physicians and patients about the safety of immunosuppressive medications used for the management of dermatologic conditions. We review available data on commonly used immunosuppressants and their effect on viral infections beyond COVID-19. Notably, the effect of some immunosuppressants on viruses related to SARS-CoV2, including SARS and MERS, has been previously investigated. In the absence of data on the effect of immunosuppressants on COVID-19, these data could be used to make clinical decisions on initiation and continuation of immunosuppressive medications during this pandemic. In summary, we recommend considering the discontinuation of oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and prednisone; considering the delay of rituximab infusion; and suggesting the careful continuation of cyclosporine, mycophenolate, azathioprine, methotrexate, and biologics in patients currently benefitting from such treatments.
AB - The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant uncertainty among physicians and patients about the safety of immunosuppressive medications used for the management of dermatologic conditions. We review available data on commonly used immunosuppressants and their effect on viral infections beyond COVID-19. Notably, the effect of some immunosuppressants on viruses related to SARS-CoV2, including SARS and MERS, has been previously investigated. In the absence of data on the effect of immunosuppressants on COVID-19, these data could be used to make clinical decisions on initiation and continuation of immunosuppressive medications during this pandemic. In summary, we recommend considering the discontinuation of oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and prednisone; considering the delay of rituximab infusion; and suggesting the careful continuation of cyclosporine, mycophenolate, azathioprine, methotrexate, and biologics in patients currently benefitting from such treatments.
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U2 - 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2020.05.003
DO - 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2020.05.003
M3 - Article
C2 - 32419721
AN - SCOPUS:85087870771
VL - 38
SP - 775
EP - 780
JO - Clinics in Dermatology
JF - Clinics in Dermatology
SN - 0738-081X
IS - 6
ER -