Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has circulated and caused outbreaks in the Americas region since 2014. However, there is a need to better understand the chronic rheumatism generated by the virus and its impact on quality of life and fatigue.
This study conducted by Anyela Lozano, PhD student in Biomedical Sciences, UIS, and researcher of the EPICLIN group of the School of Medicine, and Dr. Victor Herrera Galindo, professor in the Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, and researcher in the EPICLIN group, investigated the incidence of post-chikungunya chronic rheumatism (RC-pCHIK) and its impact on quality of life and chronic fatigue in adults seven years after the chikungunya outbreak (CHIKV) in Piedecuesta, Colombia (2014-2015). Seventy-eight adults who had been infected with the virus during the outbreak were evaluated.
In 2022, participants underwent a physical examination and completed a series of health surveys. Those who reported arthralgia or stiffness not associated with trauma were re-evaluated by a rheumatology specialist.
In 2022, participants underwent a physical examination and completed a series of health surveys. Those who reported arthralgia or stiffness not associated with trauma were re-evaluated by a rheumatology specialist.
The results showed that 14.1% of the participants were diagnosed with post-chikungunya chronic rheumatism, approximately 7.7 years after becoming infected. On rheumatologic evaluation, a predominance of post-chikungunya oligo/polyarthritis pattern was observed. In addition, 41.0 were diagnosed with a non-inflammatory disease, probably of degenerative origin, while 44.9& showed no joint involvement. None of the patients met criteria for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or spondyloarthropathy. Those with chronic rheumatism or non-inflammatory disease had a significantly lower quality of life compared to those without joint involvement. In addition, chronic fatigue was found to be more common in these two groups, affecting 54.6% of patients with chronic rheumatism and 25% of those with non-inflammatory disease.
The results of the study showed that one in seven people infected with the chikungunya virus develops symptoms of chronic rheumatism, a condition that negatively impacts quality of life and causes a high prevalence of chronic fatigue.
This study contributes valuable information on the long-term sequelae of Chikungunya infection, helping to better understand the burden of this disease in affected individuals.
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