Risk and outcomes of COVID-19 patients exposed to immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory agents in British Columbia. A population-based study.

To be better prepared for the second wave of COVID-19 in BC, we need to understand the risk factors influencing contracting the infection and its outcome in infected people, especially in vulnerable people, such as patients with auto-immune diseases, cancer or those with transplants who are being treated with immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory agents (IIA).

Patients using IIA for their care have raised fears about being at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 as these medications lower the immune system. Also, they have uncertainties as IIA are being used to treat COVID-19.

In this study, we will assess: 

1. The risk of COVID-19 infection among individuals who use IIA in BC,
2. The risk of serious outcomes among COVID-19 patient who use IIA compared to patients who do not use IIA.