COVID-19 and COPD: A Narrative review of the basic science and clinical outcomes

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Clinical outcomes, including mortality, are worse in males, older individuals and patients with co-morbidities. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are included in shielding strategies due to their susceptibility to virus induced exacerbations, compromised pulmonary function and high prevalence of associated co-morbidities. Using evidence from basic science and cohort studies, this review addresses key questions concerning COVID-19 and COPD. First, are there mechanisms by which COPD patients are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection? Second, do inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) offer protection against COVID-19? Third, what is the evidence regarding clinical outcomes from COVID-19 in COPD patients? This up-to-date review tackles some of the key issues which have significant impact on the long term outlook for COPD patients in the context of COVID-19.