COVID-19 scenario and recommendations on the continuity of immunobiological therapy in patients with atopic asthma in Brazil and Latin America.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: With the abrupt establishment of the COVID-19 pandemic, treatment for immunological diseases may be influenced by the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Immunobiologics play a pivotal role in the management of severe symptoms of allergy, and an opinion regarding the continuity of this treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic must be issued. AREAS COVERED In Brazil and other countries, patients with severe asthma have been included in the priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination, even those who are undergoing immunobiological therapy. Data are insufficient to support the influence of this therapy on severe COVID-19. Therapeutic strategies for asthma and guidelines/statements of the main societies of Allergy in Latin America on the continuity of treatment with immunobiologics during the COVID-19 pandemic were obtained from the institutional websites and papers published up to September 2021. EXPERT OPINION Although the association between asthma and COVID-19 has been under investigation, immunobiological treatment should follow the consensus-based statements recommending the maintenance of the therapy unless the patient is infected by the SARS-CoV-2. However, it must be closely followed by the medical assistant.