Pediatric autoimmune diseases in the light of COVID-19 pandemic, A retrospective observational big data study

Abstract

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about potential links between SARS-CoV-2 infection and autoimmune diseases. This study investigated changes in the incidence rate (IR) of autoimmune diseases among children following the pandemic's onset.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed data from Clalit Health Services, Israel's largest healthcare provider, examining the IR of different autoimmune diseases in children aged 0–18. The study compared pre-pandemic (2019) with pandemic/post-pandemic periods (2020–2023), encompassing a cohort of over 1.5 million children.

Results

Significant IR increases were observed across multiple autoimmune diseases. Rheumatic diseases (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Henoch Schoenlein Purpura (HSP)) showed consistent increases, with HSP demonstrating the most pronounced trend. Endocrine disorders exhibited diverse patterns, with autoimmune thyroid diseases and Type 1 diabetes showing overall increases, while diabetic ketoacidosis exhibited an initial spike followed by a decline. Gastrointestinal diseases displayed heterogeneous patterns; Celiac disease and Ulcerative colitis showed general increases, Crohn's disease showed a downward trend, and autoimmune hepatitis exhibited an initial significant decrease followed by a significant increase. Dermatological conditions, including Psoriasis and Vitiligo, demonstrated consistent elevations throughout 2020–2023. Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura showed initial decreases followed by significant increases in 2022–2023.

Conclusions

This comprehensive analysis reveals significant changes in pediatric autoimmune disease incidence following the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting potential associations between SARS-CoV-2 infection and autoimmune dysregulation. The diverse patterns observed across different conditions highlight the complex interplay between viral infection and autoimmunity, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance and investigation of long-term immunological consequences of COVID-19 in pediatric populations.