Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Management Course of Paediatric Rheumatic Diseases in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on every aspect of life. Like other chronic diseases, pediatric rheumatic diseases (PRDs) also faced unique challenges during the pandemic, including limited access to care, concerns regarding infection risk, drug shortages and social isolation. Objective: The objective of the study was to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management course of children with rheumatic diseases. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of paediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka from April 2021 to March 2022. Two hundred and twenty patients were enrolled. A predesigned questionnaire was completed which included socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters. Disease activity was assessed clinically and from laboratory profile. Data were calculated manually and by using SPSS version 22. Z-proportion test and chi square test were done when applicable. Results: Among the enrolled PRD cases 87.7% were Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), 7.7% were Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and 4.6% were other cases. Irregular follow-ups were found in 69.9% JIA cases, 82.4% SLE cases and 60% other PRD cases. Poor drug compliance was present in 18.2% of cases. A significant number of patients had higher disease activity or flare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: During COVID-19 pandemic most (70.5%) of the PRD patients were irregular in their follow-ups. Poor drug compliance was also more than in the pre-COVID period. Disease activity status significantly worsened during this period.