Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Inherited Metabolic Diseases: Evaluation of Enzyme Replacement Treatment Adherence with Telemedicine

Abstract

Aim:During the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, visiting the hospital and getting regular infusions can be difficult for patients with chronic illnesses. Telemedicine may offer a good option for the management of chronic diseases such as lysosomal storage diseases (LSD).Materials and Methods:LSD patients at the Unit of Metabolic Diseases of Ege University were contacted by phone between April, 2020 and March, 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine appointments were performed at intervals every month or three months, depending on the patients’ compliance with their treatment.Results:Ninety-two LSD patients [Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) I, MPS II, MPS IVA, MPS VI, MPS VII, Gaucher, Fabry, and Pompe] were included in this study. The total skipped treatment rate within one year was 17.1%. Most of the months of interruption were consonant with the time of social isolation. The treatment interruption in patients under 18 years was lower than in patients over 18 years. A positive correlation was detected between the age of patients and the interruption of treatment.Conclusion:The curfew periods might be one of the causes of missed treatment sessions. Telemedicine is a good method to improve the continuity of treatment. This study showed that the number of interrupted enzyme replacement treatments could be decreased via ongoing telemedicine appointments.

Keywords

• inherited metabolic diseases
• gaucher
• fabry
• covid-19
• enzyme replacement treatment
• telemedicine