Pulmonary sarcoidosis: differences in lung function change over time.

INTRODUCTION: Given the heterogeneity of sarcoidosis, predicting disease course of patients remains a challenge. Our aim was to determine whether the 3-year change in pulmonary function differed between pulmonary function phenotypes and whether there were differential longitudinal changes by race and sex. METHODS: We identified individuals seen between 2005 and 2015 with a confirmed diagnosis of sarcoidosis who had at least two pulmonary function test measurements within 3 years of entry into the cohort. For each individual, spirometry, diffusion capacity, Charlson Comorbidity Index, sarcoidosis organ involvement, diagnosis duration, tobacco use, race, sex, age and medications were recorded. We compared changes in pulmonary function by type of pulmonary function phenotype and for demographic groups. RESULTS: Of 291 individuals, 59% (173) were female and 54% (156) were black. Individuals with restrictive pulmonary function phenotype had significantly greater 3-year rate of decline of FVC% (forced vital capacity) predicted and FEV1% (forced expiratory volume in 1 s) predicted course when compared with normal phenotype. We identified a subset of individuals in the cohort, highest decliners, who had a median 3-year FVC decline of 156 mL. Black individuals had worse pulmonary function at entry into the cohort measured by FVC% predicted, FEV1% predicted and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide % predicted compared with white individuals. Black individuals' pulmonary function remained stable or declined over time, whereas white individuals' pulmonary function improved over time. There were no sex differences in rate of change in any pulmonary function parameters. SUMMARY: We found significant differences in 3-year change in pulmonary function among pulmonary function phenotypes and races, but no difference between sexes.

Progress for all: addressing disparities in sarcoidosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The impact of healthcare disparities in the treatment, care, and outcomes of patients with sarcoidosis has been described. There is paucity of literature on ways to address these disparities with a goal to improving health outcomes for patients with sarcoidosis. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent findings in other respiratory and systemic diseases suggest that multifaceted interventions directed at improving care at various levels including individual, family, and larger societal levels have been successful in dismantling some of the social and structural barriers to care and consequently have resulted in a reduction in disparate disease outcomes. We explore what some of these interventions would look like in sarcoidosis. SUMMARY: The impact of healthcare disparities in the treatment, care, and outcomes of patients with sarcoidosis has been described. We outline various steps and approaches aimed at addressing these health disparities with a goal to improving outcomes for those most impacted by disease.

Sex and Race Differences in Cardiac Sarcoidosis Presentation, Treatment and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Although sex- and race-based patterns have been described in the extracardiac organ involvement of sarcoidosis, cardiac sarcoidosis (CS)-specific studies are lacking. METHODS: We studied CS presentation, treatment and outcomes based on sex and race in a tertiary-center cohort. Multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards and survival analyses were performed for primary composite outcomes (left ventricular assist device, heart transplantation, all-cause death) and for secondary outcomes (ventricular arrhythmia and all-cause death. RESULTS: We identified 252 patients with CS (108 female, 109 Black). At presentation with CS, females vs males (P = 0.001) and Black vs White individuals (P = 0.001) more commonly had symptomatic heart failure (HF), with HF most common in Black females (ANOVA P < 0.001). Treatment differences included more corticosteroid use (90% vs 79%; P = 0.020), higher 1-year prednisone dosage (13 vs 10 mg; P = 0.003) and less frequent early steroid-sparing agent use in males (29% vs 40%; P = 0.05). Black participants more frequently received a steroid-sparing agent (75% vs 60%; P = 0.023). Composite outcome-free survival did not differ by sex or race. Male sex had an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.34 (95% CI 1.13, 4.80; P = 0.021) for ventricular arrhythmia. CONCLUSION: CS course may differ by sex and race and may contribute to distinct clinical CS phenotypes.

Risk Factors for Infection and Health Impacts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic in People With Autoimmune Diseases.

BACKGROUND: People with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions taking immunomodulatory/suppressive medications may have higher risk of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Chronic disease care has also changed for many patients, with uncertain downstream consequences. METHODS: We included participants with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions followed by specialists at Johns Hopkins. Participants completed periodic surveys querying comorbidities, disease-modifying medications, exposures, COVID-19 testing and outcomes, social behaviors, and disruptions to healthcare. We assessed whether COVID-19 risk is higher among those on immunomodulating or suppressive agents and characterized pandemic-associated changes to care and mental health. RESULTS: In total, 265 (5.6%) developed COVID-19 over 9 months of follow-up (April-December 2020). Patient characteristics (age, race, comorbidity, medications) were associated with differences in social distancing behaviors during the pandemic. Glucocorticoid exposure was associated with higher odds of COVID-19 in models incorporating behavior and other potential confounders (odds ratio [OR]: 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08, 1.89). Other medication classes were not associated with COVID-19 risk. Diabetes (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.08, 2.73), cardiovascular disease (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.24, 2.28), and kidney disease (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.97) were associated with higher odds of COVID-19. Of the 2156 reporting pre-pandemic utilization of infusion, mental health or rehabilitative services, 975 (45.2%) reported disruptions therein, which disproportionately affected individuals experiencing changes to employment or income. CONCLUSIONS: Glucocorticoid exposure may increase risk of COVID-19 in people with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Disruption to healthcare and related services was common. Those with pandemic-related reduced income may be most vulnerable to care disruptions.

Sarcoidosis-Related Cardiomyopathy: Current Knowledge, Challenges, and Future Perspectives State-of-the-Art Review.

The prevalence of sarcoidosis-related cardiomyopathy is increasing. Sarcoidosis impacts cardiac function through granulomatous infiltration of the heart, resulting in conduction disease, arrhythmia, and/or heart failure. The diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) can be challenging and requires clinician awareness as well as differentiation from overlapping diagnostic phenotypes, such as other forms of myocarditis and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Clinical manifestations, extracardiac involvement, histopathology, and advanced cardiac imaging can all lend support to a diagnosis of CS. The mainstay of therapy for CS is immunosuppression; however, no prospective clinical trials exist to guide management. Patients may progress to developing advanced heart failure or ventricular arrhythmia, for which ventricular assist device therapies or heart transplantation may be considered. The existing knowledge gaps in CS call for an interdisciplinary approach to both patient care and future investigation to improve mechanistic understanding and therapeutic strategies.

Management of Cardiac Sarcoidosis Using Mycophenolate Mofetil as a Steroid-Sparing Agent.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic sarcoidosis. Steroid-sparing agents are increasingly used, despite a lack of randomized trials or published guidelines to direct treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: This retrospective study included 77 patients with CS treated with prednisone monotherapy (n = 32) or a combination with mycophenolate mofetil (n = 45) between 2003 and 2018. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The mean patient age was 53 ± 11 years at CS diagnosis, 66.2% were male, and 35.1% were Black. The total exposure to maximum prednisone dose (initial prednisone dose × days at dose) was lower in the combination therapy group (1440 mg [interquartile range (IQR), 1200-2760 mg] vs 2710 mg [IQR, 1200-5080 mg]; P = .06). On 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scans, both groups demonstrated a significant decrease in the cardiac maximum standardized uptake value after treatment: a median decrease of 3.9 (IQR 2.7-9.0, P = .002) and 2.9 (IQR 0-5.0, P = .001) for prednisone monotherapy and combination therapy, respectively. Most patients experienced improvement or complete resolution in qualitative cardiac 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake (92.3% and 70.4% for the prednisone and combination therapy groups, respectively). Mycophenolate mofetil was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Mycophenolate mofetil in combination with prednisone for the treatment of CS may minimize corticosteroid exposure and decrease cardiac inflammation without significant adverse effects.

Twelve tips for teaching in the ICU.

The intensive care unit (ICU) provides unique educational opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate learners, including procedural training, ventilator management guidance, complex communication scenarios, and didactic lectures on dynamic topics like multi-system organ failure. However, certain challenges are inherent in this setting that can make teaching difficult. Different trainee educational backgrounds, variability in disease states, time limitations and urgent patient care considerations highlight some challenges that limit teaching opportunities. The following twelve tips address these unique aspects of the ICU environment and provide strategies to optimize teaching. These tips focus on three main goals: creating an optimal learning environment, increasing learner engagement, and critically challenging learners.

Socioeconomic determinants and disparities in sarcoidosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this article is to describe the known health disparities that exist among patients with sarcoidosis by socioeconomic status, race, and gender, review potential contributors to health disparities in sarcoidosis, investigate the intersectionality among socioeconomic status, race, and gender in sarcoidosis, and outline a research agenda to address these disparities. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have reported the significant financial strain a diagnosis of sarcoidosis has on individuals and the disproportionate affect the strain has on low socioeconomic status individuals, Blacks, and females. Worse dyspnea, lower health-related quality of life, and higher rates of mortality and hospitalization are more common among those who are Black, female, or of low socioeconomic status. SUMMARY: Health disparities in sarcoidosis by socioeconomic status, race, and gender have been described for decades. In this review, we describe potential contributors to health disparities including stress and propose interventions to address disparities including creating educational programs accessible for low-income patients and caregivers, targeting medication adherence and trust in physicians and the medical system, and ensuring access to high-quality care for all patients. As clinicians and researchers, we owe it to our patients to not only describe the health disparities that exist but also stimulate to achieve improvement in sarcoidosis.

Baby-Friendly as a Regional Collaborative Quality Improvement Project in an Academic Medical Center Environment.

In 2012, the state of South Carolina lacked any Baby-Friendly designated hospitals. The Medical University of South Carolina had a strong lactation service since 2002 but continued to struggle with improving breastfeeding rates. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative was the catalyst to increase breastfeeding rates at this academic medical center. In 2012, membership in the Best Fed Beginnings Learning Collaborative heightened awareness of the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Participation in the regional collaborative provided evidence-based breastfeeding education and best clinical practices that supported the maternal-infant dyad. These improved practices are achieved by implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. The collaborative model accelerated change, and the goals to reach 80% of each metric were met. The exclusive breastfeeding rate increased by 30%. As a result of swiftly achieving designation, the institution was then able to focus on sustainability issues and efforts to expand breastfeeding support into the community. The purpose of this article is to review one hospital's journey while providing guidance to other organizations undergoing the process of becoming Baby-Friendly. The invaluable membership in the Best Fed Beginnings Learning Collaborative quality improvement initiative proved to be a major incentive and source of support in efficiently achieving Baby-Friendly status.

The Docosanoid Neuroprotectin D1 Induces TH-Positive Neuronal Survival in a Cellular Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) does not manifest clinically until 80 % of striatal dopamine is reduced, thus most neuronal damage takes place before the patient presents clinical symptoms. Therefore, it is important to develop preventive strategies for this disease. In the experimental models of PD, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) and rotenone induce toxicity in dopaminergic neurons. Neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) displays neuroprotection in cells undergoing proteotoxic and oxidative stress. In the present report, we established an in vitro model using a primary neuronal culture from mesencephalic embryonic mouse tissue in which 17-20 % of neurons were TH-positive when differentiated in vitro. NPD1 (100 nM) rescued cells from apoptosis induced by MPP+ and rotenone, and the dendritic arbor of surviving neurons was examined using Sholl analysis. Rotenone, as well as MPP+ and its precursor 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), severely promoted retraction of dendritic arbor distal segments, thus decreasing the maximum branch order reached. On average, NPD1 counteracted the effects of MPP+ on the dendritic arborization, but failed to do so in the rotenone-treated neurons. However, rotenone did decrease the Sholl intersection number from radii 25 to 125 µm, and NPD1 did restore the pattern to control levels. Similarly, NPD1 partially reverted the dendrite retraction caused by MPP+ and MPTP. These results suggest that the apoptosis occurring in mesencephalic TH-positive neurons is not a direct consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction alone and that NPD1 signaling may be counteracting this damage. These findings lay the groundwork for the use of the in vitro model developed for future studies and for the search of specific molecular events that NPD1 targets to prevent early neurodegeneration in PD.

Interstitial Lung Disease and Sarcoidosis.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD), a clinically recognized group of diseases resulting in pulmonary fibrosis, affects up to 200 individuals per 100,000 in the United States. Sarcoidosis has a wide range of clinical manifestations including pulmonary fibrosis. Health disparities are prevalent in both ILD and sarcoidosis around socioeconomic status, race, gender, and geographic location. This review outlines the known health disparities, discusses possible determinants of disparities, and outlines a path to achieve equity in ILD and sarcoidosis.

Heterogeneity of Lung Function Phenotypes in Sarcoidosis: Role of Race and Sex Differences.

Rationale: Historically, sarcoidosis was described as a restrictive lung disease, but several alternative phenotypes of pulmonary function have been observed. Pulmonary function phenotypes in sarcoidosis may represent different clinical and/or molecular phenotypes. Objectives: To characterize the prevalence of different pulmonary function phenotypes in a large and diverse sarcoidosis cohort from a tertiary care referral center. Methods: We identified individuals seen between 2005-2015 with a confirmed diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Data were collected from the first pulmonary function test (PFT) performed at our institution which included spirometry and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DlCO). Demographics and clinical data were collected. Chi-squared analyses and multiple linear regressions were done to assess statistical differences and associations. Global Lung Function Initiative equations were used to calculate percent predicted measurements for spirometry and DlCO. Results: Of 602 individuals with sarcoidosis, 93% (562) had pulmonary involvement, 64% (385) were female, and 57% (341) were Black. Of those with pulmonary involvement, 56% had abnormal pulmonary function. Lung function impairment phenotypes included: 47% restriction, 22% obstruction, 15% isolated reduction in DlCO, and 16% combined obstructive restrictive phenotype. Restriction was the most common PFT phenotype among Black individuals (41%), while no lung impairment was most common among White individuals (66%) (P < 0.001). Males more frequently had obstruction (19%) compared with females (9%) P = 0.001, and females had more restriction (30%) compared with males (21%) P = 0.031. Conclusions: Among individuals with sarcoidosis and pulmonary function impairment, less than half demonstrated a restrictive phenotype. There were significant differences in pulmonary function phenotypes by race and sex.

Observation tool to measure patient-centered behaviors on rounds in an academic medical center.

OBJECTIVE: As part of a quality improvement project, we developed and employed an observation checklist to measure patient-centered behaviors during daily rounds to assess the frequency of patient-centered behaviors among a patient-centered care (PCC) team and standard team (ST) rounds. PATIENTS AND METHODS: On four general medicine service (GMS) teaching teams at an urban academic medical center in which housestaff rotate, we utilized an observation checklist to assess the occurrence of eight behaviors on inpatient daily rounds. The checklist covered domains of patient-centered communication, etiquette-based behaviors, and shared decision-making. One GMS team is guided by a PCC curriculum that emphasizes patient-centered communication strategies, but not specifically behaviors during bedside rounds. RESULTS: Between August 2018 and May 2019 a trained observer completed 448 observations of patient rounding encounters using the checklist. Across all teams, 46.0% of the 8 behaviors were performed when possible, with more done on the PCC team (58.0%) than ST (42.0%), p < 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: Performance of patient-centered behaviors during daily rounds was low overall. Despite having no specific instruction on daily rounds, patient-centered behaviors were more frequent among the teams which were part of a PCC curriculum. However, the frequency of observed behaviors was modest, suggesting that more explicit efforts to change rounding behaviors are needed. Our observational checklist may be a tool to assist in future interventions to improve patient-centered behaviors on daily rounds.

Rosai-Dorfman Disease Presenting as Massive Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy in an Elderly Man.

We present a patient case of a 73-year-old man with new-onset substernal chest pain and B symptoms, found on computed tomography imaging to have massive mediastinal lymphadenopathy of more than 6 cm. Positron emission tomography imaging revealed fluorodeoxyglucose-avid nodes further extending to the axillary, abdominal, and inguinal regions. After a broad patient work-up for infectious, malignant, and rheumatic causes, he was ultimately diagnosed with Rosai-Dorfman disease, a rare histiocytic neoplasm, by excisional lymph node biopsy.

Effect of Corticosteroids on Left Ventricular Function in Patients With Cardiac Sarcoidosis.

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is an important cause of cardiomyopathy. The trajectory of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with CS undergoing treatment remains unclear. Patients with CS who were treated with corticosteroids and who underwent transthoracic echocardiography were studied. Baseline characteristics, treatment, echocardiographic data (including baseline to follow-up change in LVEF), and outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. Among 100 patients, 55 had baseline reduced LVEF (<50%), and 45 had preserved LVEF (≥50%). At follow-up, 82% of patients demonstrated stable or improved LVEF. Change in LVEF was significantly higher in the baseline reduced than in the preserved LVEF group (5% [interquartile range 0 to 15] vs 0% [interquartile range -10% to 5%], p = 0.001). There was no difference in corticosteroid exposure or use of heart failure guideline-directed medical therapy between patients who did experience improvement in LVEF and those who did not experience improvement in LVEF. On multivariable analysis, baseline reduced LVEF (Odds ratio 54.89, 95% confidence interval 3.84 to 785.09, p = 0.003) and complete heart block (Odds ratio 28.88, 95% confidence interval 2.17 to 383.74, p = 0.011) at presentation were significantly associated with reduced LVEF after treatment. In conclusion, most patients with CS treated with corticosteroids maintain or improve LV systolic function. Cardiac characteristics at presentation impact prognosis in CS, despite treatment.

Cardiac sarcoidosis outcome differences: A comparison of patients with de novo cardiac versus known extracardiac sarcoidosis at presentation.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease characterized by granulomatous inflammation. Cardiac involvement is associated with increased morbidity. However, differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes based on initial sarcoidosis organ manifestation in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) have not been described. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 252 patients with CS at an urban, quaternary medical center was studied. Presentation, treatment and outcomes of de novo CS and prior ECS groups were compared. Survival free of primary composite outcome (left ventricular assist device implantation, orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT), or death) was assessed. RESULTS: There were 124 de novo CS patients and 128 with prior ECS at time of CS diagnosis. De novo CS patients were younger at CS diagnosis (p = 0.020). De novo CS patients had a more advanced cardiac presentation: lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p < 0.001), more frequent sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VA) (p = 0.001), and complete heart block (p = 0.001). During follow-up, new VA (p < 0.001), ventricular tachycardia ablation (p < 0.001), and OHT (p = 0.003) were more common in the de novo CS group. Outcome free survival was significantly shorter for de novo CS patients (p = 0.005), with increased hazard of primary composite outcome (p = 0.034) and development of new VA (p = 0.027) when compared to ECS patients. Overall mortality was similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Patients presenting with CS as their first recognized organ manifestation of sarcoidosis have an increased risk of adverse cardiac outcomes as compared to those with a prior history of ECS. Improved awareness and diagnosis of CS is warranted for earlier recognition.

Balancing Demands: Determinants of Burnout Reported by Fellows in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.

Background: Burnout is common among physicians who care for critically ill patients and is known to contribute to worse patient outcomes. Fellows training in pulmonary and critical care medicine (PCCM) have risk factors that make them susceptible to burnout; for example, clinical environments that require increased intellectual and emotional demands with long hours. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has recognized the increasing importance of trainee burnout and encourages training programs to address burnout. Objective: To assess factors related to training and practice that posed a threat to the well-being among fellows training in PCCM and to obtain suggestions regarding how programs can improve fellow well-being. Methods: We conducted a qualitative content analysis of data collected from a prior cross-sectional electronic survey with free-response questions of fellows enrolled in pulmonary, PCCM, and critical care medicine training programs in the United States. Fellows were asked what factors posed a threat to their well-being and what changes their training program could implement. Responses were qualitatively coded and categorized into themes using thematic analysis. Results: A total of 427 fellows (44% of survey respondents) completed at least one free-response question. The majority of respondents (60%) identified as male and white/non-Hispanic (59%). The threats to well-being and burnout were grouped into five themes: clinical burden, individual factors, team culture, limited autonomy, and program resources. Clinical burden was the most common threat discussed by fellows. Fellows highlighted factors contributing to burnout that specifically pertained to trainees including challenging interpersonal relationships with attending physicians and limited protected educational time. Fellows proposed solutions addressing clinical care, changes at the program or institution level, and organizational culture changes to improve well-being. Conclusion: This study provides insight into factors fellows report as contributors to burnout and decreased well-being in addition to investigating fellow-driven solutions toward improving well-being. These solutions may help pulmonary, PCCM, and critical care medicine program directors better address fellow well-being in the future.

A National Survey of Burnout and Depression Among Fellows Training in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine: A Special Report by the Association of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Program Directors.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of burnout and depressive symptoms is high among physician trainees. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the burden of burnout and depressive symptoms among fellows training in pulmonary and critical care medicine (PCCM) and what are associated individual fellow, program, and institutional characteristics? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional electronic survey of fellows enrolled in pulmonary, PCCM, and critical care medicine training programs in the United States to assess burnout and depressive symptoms. Burnout symptoms were measured using the Maslach Burnout Index two-item measure. The two-item Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders Procedure was used to screen for depressive symptoms. For each of the two outcomes (burnout and depressive symptoms), we constructed three multivariate logistic regression models to assess individual fellow characteristics, program structure, and institutional polices associated with either burnout or depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Five hundred two of the 976 fellows who received the survey completed it-including both outcome measures-giving a response rate of 51%. Fifty percent of fellows showed positive results for either burnout or depressive symptoms, with 41% showing positive results for depressive symptoms, 32% showing positive results for burnout, and 23% showing positive results for both. Reporting a coverage system in the case of personal illness or emergency (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.44; 95% CI, 0.26-0.73) and access to mental health services (aOR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.04-0.47) were associated with lower odds of burnout. Financial concern was associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms (aOR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.05-1.22). Working more than 70 hours in an average clinical week and the burdens of electronic health record (EHR) documentation were associated with a higher odds of both burnout and depressive symptoms. INTERPRETATION: Given the high prevalence of burnout and depressive symptoms among fellows training in PCCM, an urgent need exists to identify solutions that address this public health crisis. Strategies such as providing an easily accessible coverage system, access to mental health resources, reducing EHR burden, addressing work hours, and addressing financial concerns among trainees may help to reduce burnout or depressive symptoms and should be studied further by the graduate medical education community.

RISK FACTORS FOR INFECTION AND HEALTH IMPACTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN PEOPLE WITH AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES.

Background: People with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions who take immunomodulatory/suppressive medications may have a higher risk of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Chronic disease care has also changed for many patients, with uncertain downstream consequences. Objective: Assess whether COVID-19 risk is higher among those on immunomodulating or suppressive agents and characterize pandemic-associated changes to care. Design: Longitudinal registry study. Participants: 4666 individuals with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions followed by specialists in neurology, rheumatology, cardiology, pulmonology or gastroenterology at Johns Hopkins. Measurements: Periodic surveys querying comorbidities, disease-modifying medications, exposures, COVID-19 testing and outcomes, social behaviors, and disruptions to healthcare. Results: A total of 265 (5.6%) developed COVID-19 over 9 months of follow-up (April-December 2020). Patient characteristics (age, race, comorbidity, medication exposure) were associated with differences in social distancing behaviors during the pandemic. Glucocorticoid exposure was associated with higher odds of COVID-19 in multivariable models incorporating behavior and other potential confounders (OR: 1.43; 95%CI: 1.08, 1.89). Other medication classes were not associated with COVID-19 risk. Diabetes (OR: 1.72; 95%CI: 1.08, 2.73), cardiovascular disease (OR: 1.68; 95%CI: 1.24, 2.28), and chronic kidney disease (OR: 1.76; 95%CI: 1.04, 2.97) were each associated with higher odds of COVID-19. Pandemic-related disruption to care was common. Of the 2156 reporting pre-pandemic utilization of infusion, mental health or rehabilitative services, 975 (45.2%) reported disruptions. Individuals experiencing changes to employment or income were at highest odds of care disruption. Limitations: Results may not be generalizable to all patients with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Information was self-reported. Conclusions: Exposure to glucocorticoids may increase risk of COVID-19 in people with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Disruption to healthcare and related services was common. Those with pandemic-related reduced income may be most vulnerable to care disruptions.