Patient Perspectives on the Effect of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Patients With Systemic Sclerosis: An International Patient Survey

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and its subsequent effects on health care systems have significantly impacted the management of chronic rheumatic diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS: In this context, a 25-item anonymized e-survey was posted on the Twitter and Facebook e-groups and pages of various scleroderma organizations and patient communities to assess the problems faced by patients with SSc during the pandemic, with a focus on effects on the disease, drug procurance, continuity of medical care, and prevalent fears among patients.

RESULTS: Of the 291 participants (median age of 55 [43.5-63] years, 93.8% females), limited systemic sclerosis was the most common diagnosis (42.3%). Many patients experienced problems attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic (119, 40.9%), of which 46 (38.7%) required an increase in medicines, and 12 (10.1%) of these needed hospitalizations for disease-related complications. More than one-third (36.4%) were on glucocorticoids or had underlying cardiovascular risks (39%) that would predispose them to severe COVID-19.A significant proportion (38.1%) faced hurdles in procuring medicines or experienced disruption in physiotherapy sessions (24.7%). One-quarter (24.1%) felt it was difficult to contact their specialist, whereas another 7.2% were unable to do so. Contracting COVID-19 was the most prevalent fear (71.5%), followed by infection in the family (61.9%), and a flare of the disease (45.4%). Most respondents preferred teleconsultations (55.7%) over hospital visits in the pandemic period.

CONCLUSION: The results of the patient survey suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many patients with SSc and may translate to poorer outcomes in this population in the postpandemic period.