Zero COVID-19 infection in inflammatory bowel disease patients: Findings from population-based inflammatory bowel disease registries in Hong Kong and Taiwan

Background and Aim It is unsure whether inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a risk factor for novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Methods IBD patients were identified from population-based databases in Hong Kong and Taiwan from January 21, 2020, until April 15, 2020. Results Total 2954 and 2554 IBD patients were identified in Hong Kong and Taiwan, respectively. None had COVID-19. Pooled analysis showed that 65.3%, 39.1%, 4.3%, and 12.8% IBD patients in Hong Kong and 75.8 %, 51.4 %, 26.1%, and 52.3 % in Taiwan were on 5-aminosalicylates, immunomodulators, corticosteroids, and biologics, respectively. Conclusion There were no reported cases of COVID-19 infection amongst IBD patients in Hong Kong and Taiwan. IBD patients should continue their usual medications during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Automated summary

The study found no cases of COVID-19 infection among IBD patients in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Most IBD patients in Hong Kong and Taiwan were on medication, with recommendations to continue their medication as prescribed during the pandemic.