The Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Patients Living with Rheumatic Diseases.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic severely impacted patients with rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), worsening health disparities, disrupting care, and affecting mental health. RMD patients, especially from marginalized communities, faced heightened COVID-19 susceptibility and severe outcomes. Telemedicine emerged as an important tool for maintaining access to care during the early pandemic period but highlighted disparities in access to the necessary technologies. Despite vaccinations providing protection in the general population, they were not effective in some patients with RMDs, especially those using B cell depletion therapies. Tailored management strategies and ongoing support, including mental health resources, are essential as COVID-19 persists.