They hypothesised: i) disruptions prolonged diagnostic latency, ii) autopsy rates declined, and iii) COVID-19 infection negatively affected diagnosis, care and survival. They retrospectively investigated the first year of the pandemic, using the preceding year as a comparator, quantifying numbers of individuals assessed by the UK National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit (NCJDRSU) for suspected CJD, time-to-diagnosis, disease duration and autopsy rates. Furthermore, the impact of COVID-19 status on diagnosis, care and survival in CJD was evaluated. 148 individuals were diagnosed with CJD in the pandemic (from a total of 166 individuals assessed) compared to 141 in the comparator (from 145 assessed). No differences were identified in disease duration or time-to-diagnosis. Autopsy rates were unchanged. 20 individuals had COVID-19; 60% were symptomatic and 10% had severe disease. Disruptions to diagnosis and care were frequently identified. 40% of COVID-19 positive individuals died, however COVID-19 status did not significantly alter survival duration in CJD. The authors concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic has not impacted UK CJD case ascertainment or survival but diagnostic evaluation and clinical care of individuals have been affected.
Watson N, Kirby J, Kurudzhu H, Leitch M, MacKenzie J, Smith-Bathgate B, Smith C, Summers D, Green A, Pal S. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Surveillance and Patient Care in the United Kingdom. Eur J Neurol. 2021 Dec 23.
doi: 10.1111/ene.15228