key: cord-0938579-bhv39287
authors: Arora, Gulhima; Kassir, Martin; Jafferany, Mohammad; Galadari, Hassan; Lotti, Torello; Satolli, Francesca; Sadoughifar, Roxanna; Sitkowska, Zuzanna; Goldust, Mohamad
title: The COVID‐19 outbreak and rheumatologic skin diseases
date: 2020-04-09
journal: Dermatol Ther
DOI: 10.1111/dth.13357
sha: 5b5b95bd63ceb033048334261b9d2d79d6f91276
doc_id: 938579
cord_uid: bhv39287

nan

Genetically susceptible connective tissue diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have viruses that include coronavirus as triggers that lead to its onset. The mechanisms postulated for this are either posttranslational modification of peptides, "molecular mimicry" activating T cells or "epitope spreading," due to direct or T-cell associated damage by the virus leading to autoreactive T cells. 1 Currently, patients on disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologics, or other immunosuppressive medications are required to consult their rheumatologist and stop these drugs during an infection. 4 Noninfected patients are, however, advised to continue their medication during the epidemic. It is also noteworthy to mention that patients with rheumatic disease are more susceptible to the COVID-19 virus either because of the rheumatologic disease itself or the medications used to treat their underlying disease.

From the current available data, no definite association can be established between COVID-19 and rheumatological disorders, but further studies are needed to reaffirm the same.

We confirm that the manuscript has been read and approved by all the authors, that the requirements for authorship as stated earlier in this document have been met, and that each author believes that the manuscript represents honest work. 

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