The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the severity of the course of COVID-19 in patients with psoriasis treated with biologic therapy

Abstract

Background: Biologics are used for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. According to the recommendations of major global dermatological associations, patients who had not reported clinical symptoms or close contact with a confirmed/probable COVID-19 case in the last 14 days can continue biologic therapy. Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, its clinical manifestations and the influence of COVID-19 on the course of the underlying disease in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and aggressive psoriatic arthritis undergoing biologic therapy. Material and methods: All 61 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis treated with biologics in the Dermatology Department of Central Clinical Hospital of Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Warsaw were enrolled into the study. Firstly, the medical histories of these patients were assessed for occurrence of severe adverse events, COVID-19 symptoms and deaths. Afterwards, the prevalence of serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and severity of COVID-19 were assessed. Results: Ten patients in the study group have developed anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. One patient presented with mild COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusion: While our study had a small sample size, ongoing biologic treatment in psoriasis was not associated with severe form of COVID-19.