COVID-19
Acute COVID-19 in special populations

Case 1: Kathy (33 years old)

A 33-year-old Kathy who is working as a nurse in the ambulant nursing service, introduces herself in your consultation hour. You know her as a trustworthy and competent person. She has rheumatoid arthritis for 8 years. Since yesterday, she has fever (38.5°C), dry cough, headache and breathlessness. Her actual oxygen saturation is 93% on room air, blood pressure 140/90 mmHg and the respiratory rate 19 breaths per minute.

Her daughter, 5 years old, tested positive for COVID-19 3 days ago. Kathy was subsequently tested with also a positive outcome.

Her actual medication:

  • Prednisolone 4 mg 1-0-0
  • Tocilizumab 162 mg once a week as a subcutaneous injection (planned for tomorrow)

Given her COVID-19 status, how should Kathy's rheumatoid arthritis medication be adapted?