COVID-19 immune trace: predictors of rheumatoid arthritis development

Objective. To assess the effect of coronavirus infection on the development of true arthritis in patients with post-COVID joint syndrome Materials and methods. Factors contributing to the development of true rheumatic disease in patients with confirmed coronavirus infection were evaluated in a prospective cohort study. General clinical and immunological tests, including markers of rheumatoid arthritis were determined. Results. On the basis of the results of this study, it was found out that COVID-19 may act as a trigger for autoimmune diseases. Conclusions. The results of the study indicate the trigger role of COVID-19 in the development of autoimmune diseases. Preventive measures aimed at early detection of rheumatoid arthritis among patients with SARS-COV2 are control of leukocyte count and rheumatoid arthritis markers. A follow-up with a rheumatologist with a periodic monitoring of clinical and immunological parameters is recommended if joint syndrome is revealed.