COVID-19 Impact on Sarcoidosis Patients
Summary
Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disorder defined by the formation of non-necrotising granulomas, most often affecting the lungs. The majority of patients require long-term immunosuppressive therapy, which may alter host defences against infections. The emergence of COVID-19 has posed particular challenges for this population. Viral infection in sarcoidosis patients can exacerbate pulmonary inflammation, trigger disease relapse, or complicate treatment regimens. Conversely, underlying granulomatous inflammation and immunomodulatory drugs may influence the severity and course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clinicians have reported heterogenous outcomes ranging from mild disease managed at home to rapid progression requiring hospitalisation. Factors such as advanced age, comorbid cardiovascular or renal disease and baseline pulmonary impairment have emerged as key predictors of adverse events. The pandemic has also prompted adaptation in care delivery, including telemedicine, remote monitoring and revised vaccination strategies, underscoring the need to balance infection risk against sarcoidosis control.
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COVID-19 Impact on Sarcoidosis Patients publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in covid-19 impact on sarcoidosis patients across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Granuloma: A structured collection of immune cells, primarily macrophages, formed in response to chronic inflammation, characteristic of sarcoidosis.
Immunosuppressive therapy: Treatment modalities that reduce immune system activity to control inflammation, commonly involving corticosteroids or disease-modifying agents.
Cytokine storm: An excessive immune reaction marked by elevated cytokine levels, implicated in severe COVID-19 complications.
Pulmonary function tests: A suite of tests measuring lung capacity and airflow, used to assess the extent of respiratory impairment.
Renin–angiotensin system: A hormonal cascade regulating blood pressure and fluid balance, with components implicated in SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and lung injury.
References
- From COVID-19 to Sarcoidosis: How Similar Are These Two Diseases?. Frontiers in Immunology (2022).
- Autophagy and Mitophagy-Related Pathways at the Crossroads of Genetic Pathways Involved in Familial Sarcoidosis and Host-Pathogen Interactions Induced by Coronaviruses. Cells (2021).
- COVID-19 and Sarcoidosis, Readiness for Vaccination: Challenges and Opportunities. Frontiers in Medicine (2021).
- Characterization and Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients with Sarcoidosis. Viruses (2021).
- Treatment of COVID-19 in Patients With Sarcoidosis. Frontiers in Medicine (2021).
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