Serological Testing to Outline Protocols for COVID19 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: STOP COVID‑19 in IBD
As provinces begin to ease up on physical distancing restrictions, people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who are immunocompromised due to their medications are faced with a difficult dilemma: Do they continue to follow strict isolation protocols until a vaccine is available (possibly more than 18 months), or do they risk potentially severe complications from COVID19-eg. hospitalization or death. At present, we do not know the true risk that COVID19 poses to this population, or if having COVID19 once makes an individual immune to reinfection. This study will follow a cohort of immunocompromised people with IBD for one year to determine infection rates, susceptibility to reinfection, and risks of severe complications from COVID19 by age, sex/gender, pregnancy status, medication type, and disease type (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). As real-world data is accumulated and assessed, we will update Canadians with IBD and their healthcare team with the most up-to-date information available on risk through weekly webinar series and an online interactive dashboard for personal risk assessment. Do immunocompromised people with IBD need to continue strict isolation protocols for the next 18 or more months, and do those who have already had COVID19 need to worry about reinfection? This study seeks to answer exactly these questions through routine blood tests conducted at the time of regular, ongoing treatment so we can provide the best evidence-based advice to patients possible.
