Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with underlying rheumatic diseases in Japan: data from a multicenter observational study using the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance physician-reported registry.

INTRODUCTION: To describe clinical characteristics of patients in Japan with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and pre-existing rheumatic disease and examine the possible risk factors associated with severe COVID-19. METHODS: Adults with rheumatic disease and a COVID-19 diagnosis who were registered in the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance (C19-GRA) physician-reported registry from Japan between 15 May 2020 and 12 May 2021 were included. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with severe COVID-19 progression, defined as death or requiring oxygen inhalation. RESULTS: In total, 222 patients were included in the study. Rheumatoid arthritis (48.2%), gout (14.4%), and systemic lupus erythematosus (8.1%) were the most common types of rheumatic disease, 55.1% of patients were in remission and 66.2% had comorbid disease. Most patients were hospitalised (86.9%) for COVID-19, 43.3% received oxygen, and 9.0% died. Older age (≥ 65 years), corticosteroid use, comorbid diabetes, and lung diseases are associated with higher risk for severe COVID-19 progression (odds ratio (OR) 3.52 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.69-7.33], OR 2.68 [95% CI 1.23-5.83], OR 3.56 [95% CI 1.42-8.88], and OR 2.59 [95% CI 1.10-6.09], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study described clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with rheumatic diseases in Japan. Several possible risk factors for severe COVID-19 progression were suggested. Key points • Clinical characteristics of 222 adult patients in Japan with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and pre-existing rheumatic diseases were described. • Most patients were hospitalised (86.9%) for COVID-19 in Japan, 43.3% received oxygen, and 9.0% died. • The COVID-19 characteristics of patients with rheumatic diseases did not show any obvious different pattern from those of the general population in Japan. • In this study, older age (≥ 65 years), corticosteroid use, comorbid diabetes, and lung diseases are associated with higher risk for severe COVID-19 progression.

Correction to: Ultra-high-resolution computed tomography can demonstrate alveolar collapse in novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia.

The correct caption is given below.

Ultra-high-resolution computed tomography can demonstrate alveolar collapse in novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia.

PURPOSE: To review the chest computed tomography (CT) findings on the ultra-high-resolution CT (U-HRCT) in patients with the Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In February 2020, six consecutive patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (median age, 69 years) underwent U-HR CT imaging. U-HR-CT has a larger matrix size of 1024 × 1024 thinner slice thickness of 0.25 mm and can demonstrate terminal bronchioles in the normal lungs; as a result, Reid's secondary lobules and their abnormalities can be identified. The distribution and hallmarks (ground-glass opacity, consolidation with or without architectural distortion, linear opacity, crazy paving) of the lung opacities on U-HRCT were visually evaluated on a 1 K monitor by two experienced reviewers. The CT lung volume was measured, and the ratio of the measured lung volume to the predicted total lung capacity (predTLC) based on sex, age and height was calculated. RESULTS: All cases showed crazy paving pattern in U-HRCT. In these lesions, the secondary lobules were smaller than those in the un-affected lungs. CT lung volume decreased in two cases comparing predTLC. CONCLUSION: U-HRCT can evaluate not only the distribution and hallmarks of COVID-19 pneumonia but also visualize local lung volume loss.