- Impacts of an infection on patients with cystic fibrosis :
- Despite minimal data on the subject, SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to have no apparent effect on the severity of a cystic fibrosis disease.
- Impacts of the pandemic on patients with cystic fibrosis :
- Routine cystic fibrosis appointments and clinics might be cancelled, which can potentially have a negative impact on patient.
- Access to lung transplantation might be compromised for patient with severe cystic fibrosis.
- Research and development of new therapies for cystic fibrosis patient might be halted.
- Management of patients with cystic fibrosis :
- Patients should be provided tools to self-monitor their symptoms during the pandemic (e.g. spirometry, oximetry).
- Telemedicine should be utilized to provide stable patients with advice and care management, as well as identify those who need acute care and hospitalization.
The data comes from 2 articles. Colombo C. et al shares clinical practice tips and reflexion based on italian experience and data duriang COVID-19 pandemic. Compton M. et al present a study with 63 patients with cystic fibrosis who were asked to schedule a telemedicine meeting instead of their regular face to face meeting with their heal care providers.
Source :
- Colombo C., Burgel P., Gartner, S. et al (April 15, 2020). Impact of COVID-19 on people with cystic fibrosis. The Lancet. https://doi.org/10.1016/ S2213-2600(20)30177-6.
- Compton M., Soper M., Reilly B. et al (April 30, 2020). A Feasibility Study of Urgent Implementation of Cystic Fibrosis Multidisciplinary Telemedicine Clinic in the Face of COVID-19 Pandemic: Single-Center Experience. Telemedicine and e-Health. http://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2020.0091 .