Temporal trends in COVID-19 outcomes in people with rheumatic diseases in Ireland: data from the COVID-19 global rheumatology alliance registry

Objectives: Although evidence is accumulating globally, data on outcomes in rheumatic disease and COVID-19 in Ireland are limited. We used data from the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance (C19-GRA) to describe time-varying COVID-19 outcomes for people with rheumatic disease in Ireland.Methods: Data entered into the C19-GRA provider registry from Ireland between 24th March 2020 and 9th July 2021 were analysed. Differences in the likelihood of hospitalisation and mortality according to demographic and clinical variables were investigated using Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. Trends in odds of hospitalisation and mortality over time were investigated using logistic regression with the time period as a categorical variable.Results: Of 212 cases included, 59.4% were female and median age was 58.0 years (range 13-96). Of the 212 cases, 92 (43%) were hospitalized and 22 (10.4%) died. Increasing age, a diagnosis of gout, ever smoking, glucocorticoid use, having comorbidities, and specific comorbidities of cancer, cardiovascular, and pulmonary disease were more common in those hospitalised. A diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis, csDMARD and/or b/tsDMARD use were less frequent in those hospitalised. Increasing age, a diagnosis of gout, ever smoking, having comorbidities and specific comorbidities of obesity, cardiovascular and pulmonary disease were more common in those who died. Odds of hospitalisation or mortality did not change over time.Conclusion: No temporal trend was observed in either COVID-19 related hospitalisation or mortality outcomes for people with rheumatic disease in Ireland.</div