COVID-19 and Rare Skin Diseases European Observational Study During an Epidemic

COVID-19 and Rare Skin Diseases. European Observational Study (Data Research) During an Epidemic

This is a European observational cohort study (data research) involving multiple centres to look at the potential impact of COVID infection on patients with rare skin diseases examining factors such as comorbidity, protection factors, and clinical and/or therapeutic factors. The data collected may provide additional information on the situation of patients and, on a wider basis, provide useful data applicable to the general population.

Medical and demographic data will be collected from the medical records of patients. The data required will be specified in Appendix 1 (collection form). Patients will be identified by their initials (first letter of their surname and first name); The study will last for one year to cover the COVID-19 epidemic in France (which includes the areas of mainland France and its overseas departments and territories) and in Europe, via the ERN-Skin European Network.

The frequency of severe forms of COVID-19 will be calculated with a bilateral 95% confidence interval using, as a numerator, the number of patients with a severe form of COVID-19 and, as a denominator, the number of patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis confirmed by PCR, chest scan, serological assay or by suggestive clinical signs during the medical consultation. A severe form of COVID is defined as a case requiring hospitalisation in an intensive care unit, requiring resuscitation, or resulting in death.

Analysis of the impact of COVID-19 infection on rare skin diseases: complications, potential comorbidity factors, impact on the management of chronic conditions (change in treatment) and the experience of patients.

The results of the analysis may be compared with those obtained for other groups of diseases. Gaining a better understanding of high-risk situations, as well as any aggravation or protective factors, should enable us to issue recommendations adapted to this kind of disease but that may also be useful for the general population. This type of study may also provide "reassurance" to patients with rare diseases who have many questions during this period of epidemic and heightened concern.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient with a rare skin disease,
• Patient of any age (paediatric or adult),
• Patient with suspected COVID-19 infection (remote consultation, face-to-face consultation, general practitioner, hospital physician),
• Patient in contact with a subject infected with the COVID-19 virus,
• Asymptomatic patient for COVID-19 viral infection but with a positive serology,
• Study information given to the patient and/or to their legal representative,
• Patient who has been informed and has agreed to this data collection process.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients not suffering from a rare skin disease,
• Patient and/or their legal representative who object to their participation in the study at the presentation of the information leaflet,
• Adult patient unable to understand the implications and constraints of the study,
• Protected adult subject to guardianship or safeguarding measures.