COVID-19 and systemic sclerosis: Rising to the challenge of a pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19, caused by infection of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has caused a pandemic of enormous impact that has challenged healthcare and political system throughout the world. This new health emergency has occurred on top of the usual burden of diseases, including systemic sclerosis, and has led to many unanticipated consequences. An early consequence of the pandemic was postponement of the Sixth Systemic Sclerosis World Congress that was recently completed as a successful virtual congress with more than 1000 delegates. In this article, we summarise the relevance and impact of COVID-19 from the perspective of systemic sclerosis. Shared concepts of pathogenesis are considered, and the relevant literature emerging about COVID-19 and systemic sclerosis summarised. The specific impact of this pandemic on delivery of optimal scleroderma care is considered, together with the broader effect on rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and the activities of European League Against Rheumatism. As the World continues to struggle against this new infectious disease, it is notable that expertise and growing understanding of systemic sclerosis has been able to help tackle COVID-19. Moreover, the essential adjustments to deliver clinical care and establishment of new ways of working due to the pandemic have offered potential avenues for future improvement in systemic sclerosis care.