Effect of coronavirus infection and glucocorticoids on the development of aseptic necrosis of bone

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Abstract

Objective. To identify and characterize the relationship between prior COVID-19 and the development of aseptic necrosis (AN).

Materials and methods. The study included patients aged 18 years and older with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis (by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or serological examination) who were diagnosed with AN at least 12 months after recovery. Exclusion criteria were cases of secondary necrosis (due to chronic alcoholism, long-term corticosteroid therapy for other conditions or trauma), as well as patients with rheumatologic or oncologic bone disease.

Results. An increased risk of developing AN was identified in patients with severe COVID-19 and/or high doses of glucocorticoids. In some patients laboratory signs of autoimmune disorders (increased levels of antinuclear factor, antiphospholipid antibodies) were observed, which may contribute to the development of bone necrosis.

Conclusions. These findings emphasize the necessity for comprehensive assessment of joint complications in patients with severe COVID-19 and the importance of regular monitoring with imaging techniques such as MRI and X-ray for early detection of AN.

About the authors

A. K. Karibova

City Clinical Hospital, Makhachkala

Author for correspondence.
Email: solomon687@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0003-3690-3041

Head of the Department of Rheumatology

Russian Federation, Makhachkala

M. T. Kudaev

Dagestan State Medical University

Email: kudaev54@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5446-1775

DSc (Medicine), Professor, Head of the Department of Therapy

Russian Federation, Makhachkala

Ev. V. Arshin

Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education ‘Perm State Ye.A. Vagner Perm State Medical University

Email: solomon687@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-0468-4732

DSc (Medicine), Professor of the Department of Hospital Therapy and Cardiology

Russian Federation, Perm

A K Karaeva

Dagestan State Medical University

Email: solomon687@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-4394-7355

Assistant of the Department of Radiology and Radiation Therapy

Russian Federation, Makhachkala

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