Morbidity, Clinical Course and Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 Virus in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Patient Reported Survey

Eliza Wasilewska, Agnieszka Sobierajska-Rek, Karolina Śledzińska, Sylwia Małgorzewicz, Ewa Jassem and Jolanta Wierzba
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Eliza Wasilewska: Department of Allergology and Pulmonology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
Agnieszka Sobierajska-Rek: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences with Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
Karolina Śledzińska: Department of Internal and Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences with Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
Sylwia Małgorzewicz: Department of Clinical Nutrition, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
Ewa Jassem: Department of Allergology and Pulmonology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
Jolanta Wierzba: Department of Internal and Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences with Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 19, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Background: Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) may be at higher risk of a severe course of COVID-19. The aim of the study was to evaluate: (1) the incidence and course of COVID-19 infection in DMD patients; (2) the vaccination status of DMD patients; and (3) COVID-19 related anxiety among DMD families. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted during an online symposium for DMD patients and their families. All participants (DMD families; n = 150) were asked to fill in the online survey with questions about COVID-19 infection history, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 and anxiety during pandemic. Results: 53 DMD patients filled in the survey. Five (9.43%) were COVID-19 positive with mild symptoms of respiratory infection and anosmia; 23 (42.6%) were vaccinated, but in almost 20% of DMD families, none of the family members was vaccinated. Respondents revealed anxiety related both to the vaccination procedure and to COVID-19 infection (complications after infection 93.6%, death 62.4% respondents). Changes in health care system organization also aroused concern among participants (85.3%). Conclusion: The course of the COVID-19 infection in DMD patients was mild. Not enough patients with DMD and their families are vaccinated. Education about the management of COVID-19 infections and the vaccination procedure for DMD patients is needed and expected.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2 virus; Duchenne muscular dystrophy; neuromuscular disease; rare diseases; vaccination against SARS-CoV-2; vaccination against COVID-19; anxiety; COVID-19 pandemic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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