The protective effect of rheumatic disease agents in COVID-19

Abstract

\n Several immunosuppressive therapies have been investigated as potential treatments for patients with severe and critical Coronavirus Disease 2019. Notable examples include corticosteroids, interleukin 6, interleukin 1, Janus kinase, and tumor necrosis alpha inhibitors. The aim of this narrative review is to analyze the mechanistic rationale and available evidence for these selected anti-rheumatic drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. Currently, only corticosteroids have consistently proven to be effective in decreasing mortality and are recommended in clinical guidelines for the treatment of severe and critical COVID-19. Multiple randomized controlled trials are ongoing to determine the role of other immunosuppressants.\n