Introduction COVID-19 has caused unprecedented hardships in the 21st century with more than 150 million infections. Various immunological phenomena have been described during the course of the infection, and this infection has also triggered autoimmunity. Rheumatological illnesses have been described following resolution of the acute infection; hence we sought to conduct a review of the rheumatological complications of COVID-19. Methods We conducted a literature search for articles relating to sequelae of COVID-19 from Jan 2020 to 30th April 2021. Results We found a number of reports of inflammatory arthritis after SARS-CoV-2 infection. SLE and renal disease have been described, and vasculitis also appears to be a common complication. Rhabdomyolysis and myositis has also been reported in a number of patients. We also found some evidence of large vessel vasculitis in ‘long COVID’ patients. Conclusions This review highlights a number of important complications such as inflammatory arthritis, lupus-like disease, myostis and vasculitis following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Patients with advanced chronic heart failure (CHF) can experience 'revolving door' admissions, often for parenteral diuretics, when time at home is precious. Home intravenous diuretic services are patchy. This retrospective review describes 43 consecutive episodes of continuous subcutaneous infusion of furosemide (CSCI-F) in 32 advanced CHF patients; 28 episodes aiming to correct fluid balance and prevent hospital admission and 15 aiming to prevent symptoms in the dying. Overall, 26/28 (93%) avoided hospital admission. Weight loss occurred in 20/28 (70%): a median loss of 5.6 kg [interquartile range (IQR) 0.1-8.9]). The daily dose of furosemide ranged from 40 to 250 mg. The median number of days on CSCI-F was 10.5 (range 2-48; IQR 6-13.8). Site reactions occurred in 10/43 (23%); all of which were mild except two, one of which required oral antibiotics. Symptoms were controlled in all 15 dying patients. CSCI-F for patients with advanced CHF is effective in terms of weight loss and prevention of hospital admission with the heart failure nurse specialist playing a key overall management role in selection and monitoring. As the majority of community and hospice nurses have access to and are familiar with CSCI pumps, this practice should be nationally transferable. The role in the dying patient requires further assessment.

Despite positive staff attitudes towards corneal donation, many barriers to discussing donation were identified, which may reduce donation rates. This could be improved by local policies encompassing further education, prompts in documentation and availability of leaflets.

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