Acute leukemia and SARS-CoV-2 infection: clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality

Leuk Lymphoma. 2021 Dec;62(14):3516-3520. doi: 10.1080/10428194.2021.1964026. Epub 2021 Aug 13.

Abstract

Patients with acute leukemia (AL) have a high mortality rate from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, studies including patients with AL and COVID-19 are few. Fifty-one patients with AL and COVID-19 were included in our study. The mortality rate was 17/51 (29.4%). In all cases, death was associated with COVID-19 pneumonia. The major driver of outcome was the disease status (worse outcome was observed in newly diagnosed (OR, 6.00; 95% CI, 1.133 - 15.188) and patients with bone marrow aplasia (OR 4.148 [95% CI 1.133 - 15.188])). Higher mortality rate was associated with lower platelet count, prolonged PT, higher ISTH DIC score, CRP and LDH. Moreover, careful risk-benefit assessment regarding the continuation of anticancer therapy is required in patients receiving nonintensive and supportive therapy. Considering the high frequency of intrahospital viral transmission (50.98%), isolation of AL patients in single rooms, and permanent symptom monitoring and testing should be prioritized.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia* / diagnosis
  • Leukemia* / epidemiology
  • Leukemia* / therapy
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2