IBD patients anxious over severe COVID-19 risk

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) report that the COVID-19 pandemic is a “major concern” for them, reveals a study, noting that the cumulative prevalence is low in this cohort. At-risk patients must be identified and counseled individually.

A team of investigators conducted a survey to explore experiences and concerns of IBD patients regarding the current pandemic. They developed a 40-item web-based questionnaire, which was made available to participants from 28 April to 31 July 2020.

A total of 1,199 patients (mean age 41.3 years, 77 percent women) participated in the survey, of whom 58.8 percent had Crohn’s disease and 38.5 percent ulcerative colitis. Majority of the participants (56.7 percent) reported concern on the increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, while 61.7 percent feared a higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease course.

Most IBD patients (84.7 percent) observed effective preventive measures in either outpatient practices or hospitals, while 38.7 percent canceled their appointments with an IBD specialist, frequently on their own initiative. Majority of the participants (71.0 percent) also considered telecommunication visits as an acceptable alternative to personal visits.

Of note, 6.9 percent of IBD patients had reduced or paused medication because of the pandemic. A swab test was also done in 13.2 percent of the participants, but only three patients (0.25 percent) turned out positive.

“When required because of the local COVID-19 situation, telecommunication visits and liberal prescription policies are advisable to reduce in-person contacts, while ensuring continuous therapy and maintaining communication with patients,” the investigators said.