Impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) pandemic on patients with lysosomal storage disorders and restoration of services: experience from a specialist centre

• Published in: Internal medicine journal 2021-10, Vol.51 (10), p.1580-1593
• Main Authors: Ramaswami, Uma, D'Amore, Simona, Finnegan, Niamh, Hughes, Derralynn, Kazemi, Masoud
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation; Cannulation; COVID-19; Emergency medical care; enzyme replacement therapy; Lysosomal storage diseases; lysosomal storage disorder; outpatient; Pandemics; Patients; restoration; Review; Reviews; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
• ISSN: 1444-0903; 1445-5994
• DOI: 10.1111/imj.15473

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the lysosomal disorders unit (LSDU) at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (RFL), a highly specialised national service for diagnosis and management of adults with lysosomal storage disorders (LSD). Review of home care enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and emergency care, and COVID‐19 shielding categories as per UK government guidance. New clinical pathways were developed to manage patients safely during the pandemic; staff well‐being initiatives are described. LSDU staff were redeployed and/or had additional roles to support increased needs of hospitalised COVID‐19 patients. During the first lockdown in March 2020, 286 of 602 LSD patients were shielding; 72 of 221 had home care ERT infusions interrupted up to 12 weeks. During the pandemic, there was a 3% reduction in home care nursing support required, with patients learning to self‐cannulate or require support for cannulation only. There were no increased adverse clinical events during this period. Twenty‐one contracted COVID‐19 infection, with one hospitalised and no COVID‐19 related deaths. In 2020, virtual clinics were increased by 88% (video and/or telephone) compared to 2019. RFL well‐being initiatives supported all staff. We provide an overview of the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on staff and patients attending a highly specialised rare disease service. As far as we are aware, this is the first detailed narrative on the challenges and subsequent rapid adaptations made, both as part of a large organisation and as a specialist centre. Lessons learnt could be translated to other rare disease services and ensure readiness for any future pandemic.