COVID-19 in gastroenterology: Where are we now? Current evidence on the impact of COVID-19 in gastroenterology

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges in all fields of society with social, economic, and health-related consequences worldwide. In this context, gastroenterology patients and healthcare systems and professionals have seen their routines changed and were forced to adapt, adopting measures to minimize the risk of infection while guaranteeing continuous medical care to chronic patients.

Objective: At this point, it is important to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on this field to further improve the quality of the services provided in this context.

Methods/results/conclusion: We performed a literature review that summarizes the main aspects to consider in gastroenterology, during the pandemic crisis, and includes a deep discussion on the main changes affecting gastroenterology patients and healthcare systems, anticipating the pandemic recovery scenario with future practices and policies.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; endoscopy; gastroenterology; inflammatory bowel disease; vaccination.

FIGURE 1

Main changes on the management of IBD patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic. IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; PRO, patient reported outcomes

FIGURE 2

COVID‐19 vaccination in inflammatory bowel disease patients. ¹Case‐by‐case decision according to comorbidities and risk exposure. ²Within this group of patients: (1) possibility of reduced protection, (2) vaccination not precluded, (3) vaccine booster may be needed, and (4) consider check antibodies after vaccine

FIGURE 3

Gastroenterology in the post‐COVID‐19 era