Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Appropriateness of Diagnostic Pathways of Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

Abstract

Objective. Early diagnosis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) is key to achieving effective treatment and improving prognosis. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to major changes in clinical practice on a global scale. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatological clinical practice and autoimmunity testing demands. Methods. Data regarding the first rheumatological visits and new diagnoses, together with the autoimmunity laboratory testing volumes related to the COVID-19 pandemic phase (January–December 2020), were collected from medical records and the laboratory information system of a regional reference hospital (Basilicata, Italy) and compared with those obtained during the corresponding period in 2019. Results. A significant decrease in the 2020 autoimmunity laboratory test volume was found when compared with the same period in 2019 (9912 vs 14,100; P < 0.05). A significant decrease in first rheumatological visits and diagnosis (1272 vs 2336; P < 0.05) was also observed. However, an equivalent or higher percentage of positive autoimmunity results from outpatient services was recorded during 2020 when compared to the prepandemic state. Of note, COVID-19–associated decline in new diagnoses affected mainly less severe diseases. In contrast, ARDs with systemic involvement were diagnosed at the same levels as in the prepandemic period. Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected access to health services. However, our study highlighted that during the outbreak, greater appropriateness of the requests for laboratory tests and visits emerged, as shown by a greater percentage of positive test results and new diagnoses of more severe ARDs compared to the prepandemic period.