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Review
. 2021 Sep 1;33(5):431-445.
doi: 10.1097/BOR.0000000000000817.

The role of immunomodulatory medications in the treatment of COVID-19

Sebastian E Sattui  1 , Mary K Crow  1 , Iris Navarro-Millán  1   2
Affiliations
Review

The role of immunomodulatory medications in the treatment of COVID-19

Sebastian E Sattui et al. Curr Opin Rheumatol. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Given the role of inflammation in severe forms of COVID-19, glucocorticoids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have been assessed as potential COVID-19 therapies.

Recent findings: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that glucocorticoids reduce mortality in severe COVID-19. RCTs of DMARDs have shown mixed results varying on intervention and inclusion criteria. DMARDs, including colchicine or biologic agents, may improve COVID-19 outcomes in specific patient populations.

Summary: Glucocorticoids are an effective treatment for the management of severe COVID-19. Further studies are needed to better define the patient populations who could benefit from DMARD use, as well as provide guidance regarding the timing of these interventions.

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Conflict of interest statement

I.N.M. was supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH (grant K23-AR-068449) and has received speaker fees from Sobi. S.E.S.'s work was supported by the Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium-Vasculitis Foundation Fellowship award (grant U54-AR-057319) outside of submitted work. Remaining authors have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

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