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1. 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Hipokration Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
2. Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Crete Medical School and University Hospital of Iraklio, Iraklio, Greece
Theodoros Dimitroulas
, George Bertsias
The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation threatens not only the health of populations, but also the coherence and function of health care systems. Patients with systemic inflammatory disorders feel the overwhelming strain of COVID-19, since their disease, administered treatments, and associated comorbidities may all contribute to increased vulnerability to infection. At the same time, monitoring the activity status of rheumatic diseases and adjusting the treatments where appropriate, are important for preventing flares and other complications, which could pose additional health risks. Considering the urgent need to maintain physical distancing and self-quarantine as much as possible, we herein discuss the challenges and possible solutions pertaining to the assessment and monitoring of patients with systemic inflammatory diseases. We also discuss issues related to the prescription and supply of anti-rheumatic drugs, as well as opportunities provided by the use of technological and wireless tools. From an optimistic viewpoint, the end of this pandemic may leave us with an important legacy in utilising and implementing e-health solutions that may both improve the clinical care standards for patients with systemic inflammatory diseases and also reduce the burden placed on healthcare systems.
https://doi.org/10.31138/mjr.31.3.253
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 
©Dimitroulas T, Bertsias G.
Article Submitted: 21 Apr 2020; Revised Form: 3 Sep 2020; Article Accepted: 4 Sep 2020; Available Online: 10 Sep 2020
