Author/Authors :
Anushiravani, Amir Digestive Disease Research Center - Digestive Disease Research Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Vahedi, Homayoon Digestive Disease Research Center - Digestive Disease Research Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Fakheri, Hafez Gut and Liver Research Center - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , Mansour-ghanaei, Fariborz Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center - Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran , Maleki, Iradj Gut and Liver Research Center - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , Nasseri-Moghaddam, Siavosh Digestive Disease Research Center - Digestive Disease Research Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Vosoghinia, Hasan Gastroenterology and Hematology Department - Faculty of Medicine - Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran , Ghadir, Mohammad Reza Gastroenterology and Hepatology Diseases Research Center - Qom University of Medical Science, Iran , Hormati, Ahmad Gastroenterology and Hepatology Diseases Research Center - Qom University of Medical Science, Iran , Aminisani, Nayyereh Department of Epidemiology and Statistics - Faculty of Health Sciences - Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran , Radmard, Amir Reza Department of Radiology - Shariati Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Khosravi, Bardia Digestive Disease Research Center - Digestive Disease Research Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Saberzadeh-Ardestani, Bahar Digestive Disease Research Center - Digestive Disease Research Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Malekzadeh, Masoud Digestive Disease Research Center - Digestive Disease Research Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Alatab, Sudabeh Digestive Disease Research Center - Digestive Disease Research Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Sadeghi, Anahita Digestive Disease Research Center - Digestive Disease Research Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Salahi, Sarvenaz Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Malekzadeh, Reza Digestive Disease Research Center - Digestive Disease Research Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Sima, Ali Reza Digestive Disease Research Center - Digestive Disease Research Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health care infrastructure dramatically,
with abundant resources necessarily being redirected to COVID-19 patients and their
care. Also, patients with chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may
be affected in several ways during this pandemic.
METHODS
We used the Iranian registry of Crohn’s and colitis (IRCC) infrastructure. We called
and sent messages to follow-up and support the care of all registered patients. Besides,
we prepared and distributed educational materials for these patients and physicians to
reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. We risk-stratified them and prepared outpatient
clinics and hospitalization guidance for IBD patients.
RESULTS
Of 13165 Iranian patients with IBD, 51 have been diagnosed as having COVID-19.
IBD patients made 1920 hotline calls. Among the patients with suspicious presentations,
14 COVID-19 infections were diagnosed. Additionally, 1782 patients with IBD from
five provinces actively phone-called among whom 28 definite cases were diagnosed.
CONCLUSION
IBD patients’ follow-up could help in diagnosing the affected IBD patients with COVID-19.
Additionally, the performance of protective actions and preparing the patients and physicians
for decisive proceedings are the principles of protection of IBD patients.
