Rheumatic diseases and coronavirus infection: levilimab use experience

Abstract

Background. Rheumatic diseases (RD) of autoimmune origin are considered as an important risk factor for infectious processes due to characteristic native immune system disorder, as well as due to the adverse effect of immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids on the mechanisms of anti-infective protection.Aim. To highlight the problem of RD and concomitant viral infection which becomes critical in the era of COVID‑19.Results. According to the current national guidelines for the management of patients with COVID‑19, patients with RD represent an increased risk group for the adverse course of coronavirus infection. Presented article provides basic information on the use of interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) inhibitors in patients with COVID‑19 focusing on the benefit of this therapeutic option in those with prior RD. The article presents an analysis of two clinical cases demonstrating high efficacy and good tolerability of levilimab (Ilsira®) in the treatment of coronavirus pneumoniae in the setting of autoimmune diseases: polymyositis (PM) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Conclusion. Our own clinical experience confirms the feasibility of including an IL‑6 receptor inhibitor in the treatment regimen for coronavirus pneumonia in patients with RD characterized of immune inflammation.