Synovial fluid evaluation in COVID-19 patients

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 can provide symptoms outside the respiratory tract and musculoskeletal symptoms. Some viruses can indeed cause arthritis, and the genetic material of these viruses can be found in a joint fluid using PCR assays. With this study, we will conduct an examination using PCR on the joint fluid of COVID-19 patients who have musculoskeletal symptoms, especially arthralgia, during the infection. Methods: This cross-sectional study with a descriptive explanation of synovial fluid in COVID-19 patients was performed from April 1st to July 30th, 2021, with patient data collection conducted centrally at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar Synovial fluid was taken from the knee using the sterile procedure in a patient that met the inclusion criteria, such as hospitalized patients who had positive PCR swab results in the nasopharynx for less than 2 weeks and had arthralgia symptoms on April – July 2021. Other musculoskeletal symptoms (e.g., myalgia and fatigue) were noted. About 2 ml sample of synovial fluid was tested using a PCR kit (M BioCov) in the laboratory. The sample shows a positive result when there is an amplification of RDNP with a CT value below 40. Results: 189 patients with 21 participated, 14 subjects were male, and 7 subjects were female. Age range 18 - 72 years with arthralgia, myalgia, and fatigue symptoms. Only 2 patients had arthralgia, 13 patients had myalgia and arthralgia, 1 patient had fatigue and arthralgia, and 5 patients had all of the symptoms (arthralgia, myalgia, and fatigue). Only 1 patient had direct contact with the COVID-19 patient. PCR test for synovial fluid in all patients showed negative for COVID-19. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection can be manifest in the musculoskeletal system. Detection of COVID-19 virus using a specimen from knee synovial fluid in a patient with musculoskeletal symptoms (arthralgia, myalgia, fatigue) was negative.