COVID-19 infection increases the risk of autoimmune diseases by up to 30%: study | rheumatoid arthritis | lupus | develop autoimmune diseases

Surviving COVID-19 may increase your risk of developing debilitating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus for up to a year after infection, according to new research.

However, the study also found that vaccination against the virus can significantly reduce the chances of developing these life-altering inflammatory conditions.

The severity of COVID-19 infection plays a big role

The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, analyzed national claims data from more than 10 million Korean patients and 12 million Japanese patients aged 20 and older diagnosed with COVID-19 between January 2020 and December 2021. The dominant strains were the wild-type virus and the delta variant during this period. COVID-19 patients were compared with flu patients and uninfected controls.

Just under 4% of Korean participants had a history of COVID-19 and about 1% had a history of flu. Among Japanese participants, about 8% were infected with COVID-19 and just under 1% were infected with the flu.

Researchers found that patients with COVID-19 had a 25% to 30% increased risk of new-onset autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) 30 days after infection, compared to uninfected individuals.

More severe COVID-19 has been associated with a higher risk of new-onset, untreated and treated AIRDs, with wild-type and delta variants associated with risk of AIRDs. The risk of new onset of AIRDs appeared to decrease over time and decreased after the first year.

COVID-19 infection is associated with several autoimmune disorders, Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, a board-certified internist who specializes in treating chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, told The Epoch Times. “For example, there is a marked increase in hyperthyroidism after COVID caused by autoimmune attack on the thyroid glands,” he said. With the immune system already on high alert from the virus and “having a hard time shutting down,” it’s not surprising that the body’s own tissues often become collateral damage, he noted.

“So this new study simply confirms what was already expected,” added Dr. Teitelbaum.

Vaccines reduce autoimmune risk, but only in mild cases

The findings also suggest that COVID-19 vaccination reduced the rate of AIRD among patients who received one, two or more doses. This reduced risk was observed whether the vaccine used was the mRNA-based or viral vector type.

However, reduced risk of AIRD was only associated with patients with mild COVID-19 infection, not those with moderate or severe infection.

This is noteworthy given growing evidence suggesting that COVID-19 vaccination may cause new-onset autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune glomerulonephritis, autoimmune hepatitis, and AIRDs.

AIRDs increase the risk of other serious conditions

AIRDs involve inflammation of the joints or connective tissue caused by attacks by the body’s immune system. These diseases can affect multiple organs and systems, leading to a wide range of symptoms and complications.

Some common AIRDs include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that mainly affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness and swelling. Untreated RA can cause joint damage, deformities, disabilities, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and lung problems over time.

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): SLE is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and tissues, such as skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs and brain. Symptoms can include fatigue, joint pain, rashes, fever and organ inflammation. Complications involve kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders and increased susceptibility to infections.

• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS): AS primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing inflammation and eventual fusion of the vertebrae, leading to stiffness of the spine and limited mobility. It can also affect other joints, eyes and organs. Complications can include spinal deformities, eye inflammation and cardiovascular problems.

• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA): PsA is an autoimmune disease with joint inflammation and skin lesions (psoriasis). In addition to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, PsA can cause nail changes, eye inflammation, and tendon inflammation (enthesitis). Complications can include diabetes and hypertension.

• Sjögren’s syndrome: Sjögren’s syndrome mainly affects the moisture-producing glands, causing dry eyes and mouth. However, it can also cause systemic problems such as joint pain, fatigue and involvement of organs such as the kidneys, lungs or nervous system. Increases the risk of lymphoma and other autoimmune diseases.

• Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma): Scleroderma is characterized by excessive production of collagen, causing thickening and hardening of the skin and connective tissues. It can also affect internal organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Complications can include gastrointestinal bleeding, lung and heart problems, and intestinal obstruction.

Cheap treatment available but ignored: expert

AIRDs significantly impact quality of life and require long-term management with medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Regular monitoring and comprehensive care from healthcare professionals are essential to manage these conditions and minimize health risks.

However, effective but inexpensive treatments for these conditions are largely ignored, Dr. Teitelbaum said.

It has been demonstrated that Low-dose naltrexone, which costs less than $1 a day, helps with chronic pain or autoimmune diseases, he added. Additionally, the highly absorbed curcumin and Boswellia serrata found in curcumin have been proven to be as effective as Celebrex in treating rheumatic arthritis in a comparative studyhe noted.

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