COVID-19 in systemic lupus erythematosus; a mini-review on current knowledge

Abstract

The consequences of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection vary among persons, while some individuals are at high risk. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and COVID-19 necessitate particular attention. SLE cases may be at particular risk for SARS-CoV-2 due to their dysregulated immune system and immunosuppressive treatments. Organ injury and administration of systemic glucocorticoids and other immunosuppressive agents are the risk factors for severe SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, SLE is not uncommon and could be severe in some ethnicities like African and Hispanic individuals and may be accompanied by poor outcomes of SARS-CoV-2. Thus, knowledge of the triggering immune response and therapeutic modalities in SLE and SARS-CoV-2 is necessary to guide treatment of this serious infectious disease in the background of SLE and vice versa.

Keywords: Systemic lupus erythematosus, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Cytokine release syndrome, Immunosenescence