Examining recommendations for the use of biologics and other systemic therapies during COVID-19: a review and comparison of available dermatology guidelines and patient registries

Abstract

Background

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has an affinity for almost every organ system, including the skin. This review article will compile and compare dermatology guidelines related to the dermatologic care of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

To review and compare the available guidelines and recommendations on use of biologics and other systemic therapies in dermatology patients.

Methods

We conducted a search for guidelines and recommendations for dermatology providers, with specific attention to the management of biologics and non-biologic systemic agents during COVID-19. International and United States-based guidelines specific to the field of dermatology and guidance for healthcare providers were used as inclusion criteria. Available registries were included as well.

Conclusion

The guidelines stress a shared decision-making approach with risk-benefit analysis and treatment strategy modifications tailored to each unique patient case. The guidelines were all concordant with one another in highlighting the importance that patients should not discontinue their medications without first speaking with their providers.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• Coronavirus
• guideline
• biologic therapy
• non-biologic systemic
• registry

Disclosure of interest

Steven Feldman has received research, speaking and/or consulting support from a variety of companies including Galderma, GSK/Stiefel, Almirall, Leo Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim, Mylan, Celgene, Pfizer, Valeant, Abbvie, Samsung, Janssen, Lilly, Menlo, Merck, Novartis, Regeneron, Sanofi, Novan, Qurient, National Biological Corporation, Caremark, Advance Medical, Sun Pharma, Suncare Research, Informa, UpToDate and National Psoriasis Foundation. He is founder and majority owner of www.DrScore.com and founder and part owner of Causa Research, a company dedicated to enhancing patients’ adherence to treatment. Mary Beth Gadarowski, Esther Balogh, and Arjun Bashyam, have no conflicts to disclose.