Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
The global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on lives.
As we navigate through the aftermath, an alarming trend is surfacing. There is a significant increase in autoimmune diseases. 📈💔
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases arise when the immune system attacks the body's healthy cells.
Our immune system is one of the most complex yet well-coordinated systems within our body. Even while we are asleep, it stays alert. It protects us from foreign particles and unhealthy cells. A relay of signaling modulates immune reactions. This helps our immune cells differentiate between healthy and harmful cells.
In the case of autoimmunity, this well-coordinated system gets disrupted, which leads to misaligned signaling or changes within the immune cells. This disruption causes a defect in the function of immune cells. It makes them unable to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy cells.
Autoimmunity trends seen in patients with previous COVID-19 infection🌐🦠
Pioneering research utilizes vast international health data. It suggests a strong link between COVID-19 infection and a higher risk of developing various autoimmune conditions.
Patients with severe COVID-19 infection have unexplained post-symptoms. These symptoms can last for weeks or more. The symptoms usually include fatigue, trouble concentrating, hair loss, joint and muscle pain, skin rashes, etc.
Autoantibodies are commonly seen in patients with autoimmune diseases. They are also identified in some COVID-19 patients. Further solidifying the connection.
Increase in autoimmune diseases seen after the COVID-19 pandemic include:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Vasculitis
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Celiac disease
Psoriasis
Retrospective studies highlight the increase in autoimmune diseases in previously unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. 🌏🔍
A comprehensive retrospective cohort study based on the TriNetX U.S. Collaborative Network. This study shows that COVID-19 patients have higher risks for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and type 1 diabetes mellitus than those who haven't had the virus. Specifically, the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis was nearly three times higher (aHR: 2.98) for COVID-19 cases. Also, autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and celiac disease had a similar increase in the hazard ratio (aHR: 2.91 and aHR: 2.68).
A study in Germany found that people with severe COVID-19 are more likely to develop certain autoimmune conditions. These include Hashimoto thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren syndrome. This was especially true for those who experienced vasculitis.
A retrospective study in Korea found a higher risk for certain conditions in people who had COVID-19. The study used data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the National Health Insurance Service. A higher risk for alopecia areata (aHR: 1.12) antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (aHR: 2.76) and Crohn's disease (aHR: 1.68) was observed in patients with previous COVID-19 infection.
Although these studies don't conclusively prove that the COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2, causes autoimmune diseases, the evidence underlines a strong temporal association.
But why this Surge in Autoimmune Diseases? 🤔🧬
The exact details of how this happens are still a bit mysterious. Yet, researchers have some interesting theories to share.
One of the theories talks about molecular mimicry. It's like a disguise game where viral components pretend to be similar to our body's healthy cells. Our body, thinking these viral impostors are a threat, produces antibodies to fight them off. The twist? These antibodies end up mistakenly attacking our healthy tissues too.
Now, here's another theory that sounds like a bit of chaos in our immune system – bystander activation. The viral infection causes some immune cells to get all worked up. There is a prolonged activation of various immune cells. This results in increased inflammation and a bit of a disruption in the usual order of our immune system.
So, it's like our body is dealing with a tricky puzzle and might get overworked during a viral invasion. This could cause autoimmunity.
The Call to Action
What steps the Healthcare system is taking?
Healthcare systems are preparing for a potential influx of autoimmune cases in light of these findings. They are emphasizing the need for post-COVID care clinics. They also want specialized training for medical professionals.
What steps we should take?
More than ever now is the time to step into the spotlight of our health. Here are some steps we can take to improve health. They will also help manage this health crisis and aid the medical system.
👀 Monitor any unusual symptoms.
📆 Go for regular health check-ups.
🚶♂️ Maintain a regular exercise routine.
The rise in autoimmunity following COVID-19 is a complex and evolving issue that highlights the virus's far-reaching impact on health. Every year, we continue to learn how COVID-19 interacts with the immune system. These insights are essential for preventing long-term complications by acting early.