Background/Purpose: Long covid, a condition whereby signs and symptoms post covid-19 infection continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis, may be more frequent among persons with arthritis. Currently, little is known whether persons with arthritis are at higher risk for long covid and how long covid affects their function. Our objectives are 1) to describe long covid in a cohort of persons with a self-reported history of arthritis who had been diagnosed with covid-19 in terms of frequency, symptoms and associated factors; and 2) to describe change in function in persons with arthritis and long covid compared to pre-covid status, focusing on: perceived global health status, mobility, personal care, participation in daily activities, and employment.

Methods: Among 2764 persons with a confirmed covid-19 diagnosis who responded to an online survey, 171 reported a history of arthritis and formed our study sample. The survey included validated questionnaires: the Newcastle Post-Covid Syndrome Questionnaire and the Covid-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Screen. We calculated the frequency of long covid (defined as those still troubled by symptoms) and persistent symptoms, and evaluated associated factors using bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression. Among those with long covid, we describe limitations in activity and function in comparison to pre-covid status. Change was calculated by subtracting the current functional score from the pre-covid 19 score and we categorized degree of change as small, moderate and severe.

Results: In our sample, 53.5% were still troubled by symptoms and the most frequent symptoms were: fatigue, myalgia, weakness, breathlessness, low mood, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. Factors associated with long covid were female sex, having been hospitalized for covid, and having at least one other chronic disease. Persons with long covid had substantial declines in function, notably in global health status, usual activities, mobility, personal care, and employment status. For example, 9.3% had major problems with usual activities pre-covid and this proportion rose to 52.5% with long covid. Fatigue was a big problem with 88% reporting a change and 52% reporting the decline as being moderate to severe. Also, 37% reported moderate to severe increase in pain.

Conclusion: Persons with arthritis and long covid have substantial limitations in function compared to pre-covid status. There is a need to implement effective interventions to improve functional status in persons with arthritis and long covid.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/long-covid-in-persons-with-self-reported-arthritis-symptoms-associated-factors-and-functional-limitations/