The use of thiopurine (azathioprine and mercaptopurine) reduces the immune response to viruses, which is associated with an increased risk of opportunistic infections. There is limited evidence that they increase the risk of respiratory infections.
The risks and benefits should be considered, but most patients can continue on a stable dose. In patients in stable remission, elderly patients and in the presence of concomitant pathology, it is recommended to stop taking thiopurine.
During a pandemic, it is recommended to avoid starting thiopurine or increasing the dose, which will allow patients to avoid potential side effects.
If the patient is in contact with a COVID-19 person, temporary withdrawal of thiopurine for 2 weeks should be considered.
If a patient tests positive for SARS-CoV-2 and/or develops COVID-19, temporary discontinuation of thiopurine may be recommended until the patient clears the infection.
Primary arterial hypertension (AH) or essential hypertension (AH) remains one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. A prolonged and persistent increase in blood pressure (BP) leads to damage to target organs, contributing to the development of severe cardiovascular complications (cerebral stroke, myocardial infarction, life-threatening arrhythmias and heart failure), kidney damage (renal failure) and vision and causes high mortality and disability of the working-age population. Annually in the world hypertension is the cause of death of more than 10 million people. In Ukraine, more than 12.6 million people are registered with this disease, or more than 35% of the population. But, among people with high blood pressure (BP), only 52% of patients know about the presence of the disease, less than a third of them are treated, and no more than 15% of patients are effectively treated.
Таким образом, АГ была и остается очень важной медицинской и социальной проблемой, которая требует соответствующего внимания не только со стороны учреждений здравоохранения и медицинских работников, но и руководства Минздрава и государства. Только совместными усилиями представителей медицинской науки, здравоохранения и всего общественного общества можно достичь повышения эффективности борьбы с этим заболеванием.
