IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGIITIS: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF INCIDENCE AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Aim:This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the incidence and clinical characteristics of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) in patients diagnosed before and after the onset of the pandemic. Material and Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 67 patients diagnosed with GPA between 2012 and 2023, categorized into pre-pandemic (n=35) and post-pandemic (n=32) cohorts. Data on sociodemographic, laboratory, and clinical characteristics were collected and statistically analysed. Results:The incidence of GPA increased from approximately 0.58 to 1.07 cases per 100,000 person-years post-pandemic. No statistically significant differences were observed in most clinical parameters, although a notable rise in alkaline phosphatase levels was identified (p=0.016). The demographic analysis revealed a higher prevalence of male patients in the post-pandemic group (p=0.020). Despite the increased incidence, mortality rates and clinical features remained stable between the two periods. Conclusion:The findings suggest a significant association between the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased incidence of GPA, potentially linked to immune dysregulation triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. While the clinical management of GPA has remained effective, the need for heightened awareness of autoimmune conditions in the context of COVID-19 is emphasized, warranting further investigation into the long-term implications of viral infections on autoimmune diseases.