Open AccessCOVID-19 and Its Potential Effect on Patients With Rheumatic Diseases in Latin America
Author(s) -
Claudia Elera-Fitzcarrald,
Manuel F. UgarteGil,
Graciela S. Alarcón
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of clinical rheumatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.615
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1536-7355
pISSN - 1076-1608
DOI - 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001493
Subject(s) - medicine , pandemic , telemedicine , covid-19 , latin americans , poverty , economic shortage , population , disease , health care , rheumatic disease , intensive care medicine , environmental health , economic growth , infectious disease (medical specialty) , political science , linguistics , philosophy , government (linguistics) , law , economics
The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic has dramatically affected the entire world. Because of significant disparity levels in Latin American countries with deficient health care access and significant poverty, their population may end up among the most severely impacted. Patients with chronic conditions such as rheumatic diseases are quite vulnerable because of their high flaring risks and subsequent poor outcomes. Additionally, an overuse of antimalarials for the treatment of COVID-19 could lead to shortages in our region. Telemedicine, personal protective equipment use by patients and providers, web conferences, and comprehensive care are tools that will contribute to reduce the risk of infections and other complications in rheumatic disease patients, as well as to improve the knowledge and experience of rheumatologists at a global level.