SARS-CoV-2 in children with cancer or after haematopoietic stem cell transplant: An analysis of 131 patients

COVID-19 infection in inborn errors of immunity and their phenocopies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are congenital disorders of the immune system. Due to impaired immune system, they are at a higher risk to develop a more severe COVID-19 course compared to general population.

OBJECTIVES

Herein, we aimed to systematically review various aspects of IEI patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, we performed a meta-analysis to determine the frequency of COVID-19 in patients with different IEI.

METHODS

Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus were searched introducing terms related to IEI and COVID-19.

RESULTS

3646 IEI cases with a history of COVID-19 infection were enrolled. The majority of patients had critical infections (1013 cases, 27.8%). The highest frequency of critical and severe cases was observed in phenocopies of IEI (95.2%), defects in intrinsic and innate immunity (69.4%) and immune dysregulation (23.9%). 446 cases (12.2%) succumbed to the disease and the highest mortality was observed in IEI phenocopies (34.6%). COVID-19 frequency in immunodeficient patients was 11.9% (95% CI: 8.3 to 15.5%) with innate immunodeficiency having the highest COVID-19 frequency [34.1% (12.1 to 56.0%)]. COVID-19 case fatality rate among IEI patients was estimated as 5.4% (95% CI: 3.5-8.3%, n = 8 studies, I2 = 17.5%).

CONCLUSION

IEI with underlying defects in specific branches of the immune system responding to RNA virus infection experience a higher frequency and mortality of COVID-19 infection. Increasing awareness about these entities and underlying genetic defects, adherence to prophylactic strategies and allocating more clinical attention to these patients could lead to a decrease in COVID-19 frequency and mortality in these patients.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 in Children

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is common in children, and clinical manifestations can vary depending on age, underlying disease, and vaccination status. Most children will have asymptomatic or mild infection, but certain baseline characteristics can increase the risk of moderate to severe disease. The following article will provide an overview of the clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 in children, including the post-infectious phenomenon called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Currently available treatment and prophylaxis strategies will be outlined, with the caveat that new therapeutics and clinical efficacy data are constantly on the horizon.

COVID-19 infection in children with blood cancer: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Blood cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of death by disease past infancy among children. Children with blood cancer are vulnerable population to viral infections such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the incidence of COVID-19 in children with blood cancer and analyse the demographic parameters, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes in children with blood cancer with COVID-19 illness.

METHODS

We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline and searched ProQuest, Medline, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Wiley online library, Scopus and Nature for studies on the development of COVID-19 in children with blood cancer, published from December 1, 2019 to April 30, 2023, with English language restriction.

RESULTS

Of the 3077 papers that were identified, 155 articles were included in the systematic review (83 case report, 54 cohort and 18 case-series studies). Studies involving 1289 children with blood cancer with confirmed COVID-19 were analysed. Leukaemias (1141 cases) were the most frequent types of blood cancer observed in children who developed COVID-19, followed by non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (59 cases), Hodgkin's lymphomas (36 cases), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (7 cases), myelodysplastic syndrome (7 cases) and myeloid neoplasm (1 case). Among all 1289 blood cancer paediatric cases who transmitted severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), some children were documented to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (n = 175, 13.6%), intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation (MV) (n = 111, 8.6%), suffered acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (n = 144, 11.2%) or died (n = 111, 8.6%). Overall, COVID-19 in children with different types of blood cancer resulted in no or low severity of disease in 78.6% of all included cases (COVID-19 severity: asymptomatic = 238, mild = 601, or moderate = 171). Treatment for COVID-19 was not necessary in a small number of children with blood cancer (n = 94, 7.3%). Fatality in children with blood cancer with COVID-19 was reported in any of the included blood cancer categories for leukaemias (n = 99/1141, 8.7%), non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (n = 7/59, 11.9%), Hodgkin's lymphomas (n = 2/36, 5.5%), myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 1/7, 14.3%) or myeloid neoplasm (n = 1/1, 100%). Fatality rate in children with blood cancer infected with SARS-CoV-2 was the highest in patients with Hispanic ethnicity (n = 44/111, 39.6%) and COVID-19-related fatality was highest in male patients (76.5% of deceased patients). Most studies reported to alter the intensity and regimen of anticancer treatment in children with blood cancer during course of SARS-CoV-2 infection, however, many studies have reported to successfully treat COVID-19 without any changes to the anticancer treatment.

CONCLUSION

Globally, leukaemias were the most prevalent and myeloid neoplasms were the least prevalent blood cancer types in children who developed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Children with blood cancer infected with SARS-CoV-2 may experience higher rates of ICU admission and mortality in comparison with the healthy pediatric populations. Mortality in children with blood cancer and infected with SARS-CoV-2 was highest in cases belonging to male gender and Hispanic ethnicity. However, children with blood cancer tend to have milder COVID-19 symptoms and are less likely to be hospitalized and have better prognosis when compared to adults. Continuation of anticancer treatment in individual paediatric blood cancer patients with COVID-19 seems to be possible.

Effectiveness of Paxlovid in the treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection in children with hematologic malignancies: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs) may be immunocompromised after receiving anti-tumor therapy. Those who also have the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus infection face many challenges, including a lack of effective antiviral drugs. This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection in children with HMs, and the effectiveness of Paxlovid.

Methods

A retrospective, non-randomized study was conducted on pediatric patients with HMs infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant who had been admitted to the Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China from December 1, 2022 to March 1, 2023. The Paxlovid-treated group (Group P) comprised 21 patients, and the non-Paxlovid-treated group (Group N) comprised 21 patients. The patients' demographic data, clinical features, and therapeutic outcomes were collected. Statistical tests were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and related factors.

Results

The clinical course of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection for most of the children with HMs was non-severe (97.6%), and only one child progressed to severe disease (2.4%). The most common symptoms were fever (66.7%) and cough (52.4%). Compared with the children in Group N, those in Group P had worse clinical characteristics, including those who previously underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell treatment (71.4% vs. 28.6%, P=0.005), and those in the myelosuppressive phase (57.1% vs. 4.8%, P<0.001). Most of the children in Group P were treated with more than two types of antibiotics (76.2% vs. 42.9%, P=0.02). The patients treated with Paxlovid within 5 days of diagnosis had a median viral clearance time of 5 days [interquartile range (IQR), 4-8 days], which was significantly shorter than that of the patients who were not treated with Paxlovid (P=0.03). There were no significant differences in the clinical outcomes between the two groups after the propensity score matching (PSM) analyses. Eight patients (19%) had repeat-positive (re-positive) test results. No factor was found to be statistically significant in predicting re-positive test results based on the binary logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

Administering Paxlovid within 5 days of the diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection in children may effectively shorten the clearance time of the virus, but there is still the possibility the patients may have re-positive test results.

Risk Factors for Pediatric Critical COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Risk stratification is a cornerstone of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society COVID-19 treatment guidance. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to define the clinical characteristics and comorbidities associated with critical COVID-19 in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Two independent reviewers screened the literature (Medline and EMBASE) for studies published through August 31, 2023, that reported outcome data on patients aged ≤21 years with COVID-19. Critical disease was defined as an invasive mechanical ventilation requirement, intensive care unit admission, or death. Random-effects models were used to estimate pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and heterogeneity was explored through subgroup analyses.

RESULTS

Among 10,178 articles, 136 studies met the inclusion criteria for review. Data from 70 studies, which collectively examined 172,165 children and adolescents with COVID-19, were pooled for meta-analysis. In previously healthy children, the absolute risk of critical disease from COVID-19 was 4% (95% CI, 1%-10%). Compared with no comorbidities, the pooled OR for critical disease was 3.95 (95% CI, 2.78-5.63) for the presence of one comorbidity and 9.51 (95% CI, 5.62-16.06) for ≥2 comorbidities. Key risk factors included cardiovascular and neurological disorders, chronic pulmonary conditions (excluding asthma), diabetes, obesity, and immunocompromise, all with statistically significant ORs > 2.00.

CONCLUSIONS

While the absolute risk for critical COVID-19 in children and adolescents without underlying health conditions is relatively low, the presence of one or more comorbidities was associated with markedly increased risk. These findings support the importance of risk stratification in tailoring pediatric COVID-19 management.

Challenges in Treating Pediatric Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Balancing Risks and Care

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of fatalities worldwide. The case of pediatric cancer patients stands out since, despite being considered a population at risk, few studies have been carried out concerning symptom detection or the description of the mechanisms capable of modifying the course of the COVID-19 disease, such as the interaction and response between the virus and the treatment given to cancer patients. By synthesizing existing studies, this paper aims to expose the treatment challenges for pediatric patients with COVID-19 in an oncology context. Additionally, this updated review includes studies that utilized the antiviral agents Remdesivir and PaxlovidTM in pediatric cancer patients. There is no specific treatment designed exclusively for pediatric cancer patients dealing with COVID-19, and it is advisable to avoid self-medication to prevent potential side effects. Managing COVID-19 in pediatric cancer patients is indeed a substantial challenge. New strategies, such as chemotherapy application rooms, have been implemented for children with cancer who were positive for COVID-19 but asymptomatic since the risk of disease progression is greater than the risk of complications from SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Pediatric Oncology Population: The Definitive Comprehensive Report of the Infectious Diseases Working Group of AIEOP

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the clinical impact and outcome of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on children with cancer or those who received a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

METHODS

AIEOP (Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology) performed a nationwide multicenter observational cohort study, including consecutive patients between April 2020 and November 2022.

RESULTS

Twenty-five Italian centers participated and 455 patients were enrolled. We reported a significant increasing trend of symptomatic cases over the years, while the number of nonmild infections remained stable. Early infection after oncologic diagnosis (<60 days) and severe neutropenia were identified as independent risk factors for developing moderate, severe, or critical infections. The percentage of patients who were asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic and who stopped chemotherapy reduced over the years of the pandemic. Nine patients died, but no death was attributed to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

CONCLUSIONS

SARS-CoV-2 infection presented a self-limiting benign course in the Italian pediatric oncohematology population during the pandemic, and its main consequence has been the discontinuation of cancer-directed therapies. The rate of patients who were asymptomatic and stopped chemotherapy reduced over the years, suggesting that the continuation of chemotherapy is a feasible option.

Caring for a child with cancer during COVID-19 pandemic: an assessment of the parents' perception and stress level

Background

The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic has led to heightened fear and uncertainty among parents of children with cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate the parental perceptions toward effects of COVID-19 infection to children with cancer, determine their stress level and factors contributing to high stress level during the pandemic.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in three paediatric oncology centres in Malaysia from September 2020 until December 2022. A total of 167 parents were recruited. Parents completed a set of questionnaires to assess their perception on effect of COVID-19 infection to children with cancer and COVID Stress Scale (CSS) to assess the parents' stress level.

Results

Patients' mean age at study entry was 8.75 years (SD 4.38). Ninety-one (54.5%) patients were still on active treatment. More than 80% of the parents obtained information regarding COVID-19 infection from mass media and social networking. Fear of their children contracting COVID-19 infection was high especially among patients who were still on treatment. Forty-nine (29.3%) parents were significantly affected by the pandemic leading to loss of job or monthly income. Twenty-nine (17.4%) patients required treatment modification during the pandemic. The median total score for CSS was 78.0 (IQR 25th 64.0; 75th 95.0). Ninety-one (54.5%) respondents were very/extremely stressed based on the CSS scores. Components with high scores were xenophobia (median score 18.0; IQR 25th 13.0, 75th 22.0), fear of danger (median score 17.0; IQR 25th 14.0, 75th 20.0) and contamination fears (median score 16.0; IQR 25th 12.0, 75th 19.0). Lower household income was associated with higher stress level (p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated high awareness regarding risk of COVID-19 infection among parents of oncology children. Half of the parents had high stress level, with low household income identified as a factor associated with high stress level.

COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a pilot study

Data on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in patients at early stage of immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are limited. In the present study, we retrospectively investigated the incidence and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients who underwent HSCT in 2022. Patients (allo-HSCT, n = 80; auto-HSCT, n = 37) were consecutively included in the study. The SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was 59.8%, and the median interval of HSCT to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was 4.8 (range: 0.5-12) months. Most patients were categorized as mild (41.4%) or moderate (38.6%), and 20% as severe/critical. No deaths were attributable to COVID-19. Further analysis showed that lower circulating CD8+ T-cell counts and calcineurin inhibitor administration increased the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Exposure to rituximab significantly increased the probability of severe or critical COVID-19 compared with that of mild/moderate illness (P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, rituximab use was associated with severe COVID-19. Additionally, COVID-19 had no significant effect on immune reconstitution. Furthermore, it was found that Epstein-Barr virus infection and rituximab administration possibly increase the risk of developing severe illness. Our study provides preliminary insights into the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on immune reconstitution and the outcomes of allo-HSCT recipients.

Pediatric cancer patients vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2-a clinical and laboratory follow-up

BACKGROUND

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is recommended for cancer patients. However, long-term data on the effectiveness in the pediatric setting are lacking.

METHODS

Pediatric patients < 18 years on active treatment for cancer and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection received three doses of an mRNA vaccine. The clinical course and humoral and cellular immunity were evaluated at the end of the follow-up period of ≥ 1 year after the third dose of vaccine.

RESULTS

SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in 17 of 19 analyzed patients (median age 16.5 years) during the follow-up period (median 17 months), but no severe symptoms were seen. At ≥ 1 year after the last SARS-CoV-2 antigen exposure, 4 of 17 patients had received the recommended booster vaccine. At the end of the follow-up period, all evaluable 15 patients had anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain IgG antibodies. Twelve of the 15 patients had neutralizing antibody titers ≥ 1:10 against the Delta variant and 12/15 and 13/15 against the BA.1 and BA.5 variants, respectively. Specific T cells against SARS-CoV-2 antigens were seen in 9/13 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Most SARS-CoV-2-vaccinated pediatric cancer patients had SARS-CoV-2 infections and limited interest in booster vaccination. At 1 year after the last antigen exposure, which was mostly an infection, humoral immune responses remained strong.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00025254, May 26, 2021.

Clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection in children with acute leukemia

Hematologic diseases and various therapeutic stages can impact the presentation of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection. This study retrospectively analyzed data on Omicron infection in children with acute leukemia treated at our hospital between January 16, 2023, and February 25, 2023, using questionnaires. The prevalence of Omicron infection in children undergoing consolidation chemotherapy, maintenance chemotherapy, drug withdrawal, and healthy children was 81.8%, 75.2%, 55.2%, and 61.9%, respectively. The observed differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). During the course of infection, children with leukemia undergoing chemotherapy, including both the consolidation and maintenance chemotherapy groups, exhibited a prolonged time to achieve SARS-CoV-2 negativity compared to the drug withdrawal and healthy groups. However, there was no significant increase in the incidence of symptoms across all body systems, and no children experienced serious sequelae or death. Furthermore, our observations indicated that all manifestations of Omicron infection in children with leukemia after drug withdrawal were not significantly different from those in healthy children. This suggested, to a certain extent, that the immune function of children with leukemia recovers effectively after the cessation of drug treatment. These findings are crucial for guiding clinical management and alleviating concerns about infection for both children with leukemia and their parents.

Epidemiology and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents in the pre-Omicron era: A global systematic review and meta-analysis

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, CQvip, and the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 global literature databases for primary studies recruiting children aged ≤18 years with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed either by molecular or antigen tests. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools to appraise the study quality and conducted meta-analyses using the random effects model for all outcomes except for race/ethnicity as risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Results

We included 237 studies, each reporting at least one of the study outcomes. Based on data from 117 studies, the pooled SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate was 9.30% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 7.15-11.73). Having a comorbidity was identified as a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection (risk ratio (RR) = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.04-1.71) based on data from 49 studies. Most cases in this review presented with mild disease (n = 50; 52.47% (95% CI = 44.03-60.84)). However, 20.70% of paediatric SARS-CoV-2 infections were hospitalised (67 studies), 7.19% required oxygen support (57 studies), 4.26% required intensive care (93 studies), and 2.92% required assisted ventilation (63 studies). The case fatality ratio (n = 119) was 0.87% (95% CI = 0.54-1.28), which included in-hospital and out-of-hospital deaths.

Conclusions

Our data showed that children were at risk for SARS-CoV-2 infections and severe outcomes in the pre-Omicron era. These findings underscore the need for effective vaccination strategies for the paediatric population to protect against the acute and long-term sequelae of COVID-19.

Registration

PROSPERO: CRD42022327680.

Risk Factors for Pediatric Critical COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Risk stratification is a cornerstone of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society COVID-19 treatment guidance. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to define the clinical characteristics and comorbidities associated with critical COVID-19 in children and adolescents.

Methods

Two independent reviewers screened the literature (Medline and EMBASE) for studies published through August 2023 that reported outcome data on patients aged ≤21 years with COVID-19. Critical disease was defined as an invasive mechanical ventilation requirement, intensive care unit admission, or death. Random effects models were used to estimate pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and heterogeneity was explored through subgroup analyses.

Results

Among 10,178 articles, 136 studies met the inclusion criteria for review. Data from 70 studies, which collectively examined 172,165 children and adolescents with COVID-19, were pooled for meta-analysis. In previously healthy children, the absolute risk of critical disease from COVID-19 was 4% (95% CI, 1%-10%). Compared with no comorbidities, the pooled OR for critical disease was 3.95 (95% CI, 2.78-5.63) for presence of one comorbidity and 9.51 (95% CI, 5.62-16.06) for ≥2 comorbidities. Key risk factors included cardiovascular and neurological disorders, chronic pulmonary conditions (excluding asthma), diabetes, obesity, and immunocompromise, all with statistically significant ORs >2.00.

Conclusions

While the absolute risk for critical COVID-19 in children and adolescents without underlying health conditions is relatively low, the presence of one or more comorbidities was associated with markedly increased risk. These findings support the importance of risk stratification in tailoring pediatric COVID-19 management.

Hospital and ICU Admission Risk Associated With Comorbidities Among Children With COVID-19 Ancestral Strains

A large proportion of children have been affected by COVID-19; we evaluated the association between comorbidities and hospitalization/ICU (intensive care unit) admission among 4097 children under age 21 years with symptomatic COVID-19 (not just polymerase chain reaction [PCR]-positive or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19 [MIS-C]) from 2 large health systems from March 2020 to September 2021. Significant comorbidities and demographic factors identified by univariable analysis were included in a multivariable logistic regression compared with children ages 6 to 11 without comorbidities. In all, 475 children (11.6%) were hospitalized, of whom 25.5% required ICU admission. Children under 1 year had high hospitalization risk, but low risk of ICU admission. Presence of at least 1 comorbidity was associated with hospitalization and ICU admission (odds ratio [OR] > 4). Asthma, obesity, chronic kidney disease, sickle cell disease, bone marrow transplantation, and neurologic disorders were associated with hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] > 2). Malignancy, intellectual disability, and prematurity were associated with ICU admission (AOR > 4). Comorbidities are significantly associated with hospitalization/ICU admission among children with COVID-19.

Pediatric cancer care management during the COVID-19 pandemic: a review of the literature and a single-centre real-life experience of an Italian pediatric oncology unit

INTRODUCTION

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 pandemic significantly affected clinical practice, also in pediatric oncology units. Cancer patients needed to be treated with an adequate dose density despite the SARS-CoV-2 infection, balancing risks of developing severe COVID-19 disease.

AREAS COVERED

Although the pandemic spread worldwide, the prevalence of affected children was low. The percentage of children with severe illness was approximately 1-6%. Pediatric cancer patients represent a prototype of a previously healthy immune system that is hampered by the tumor itself and treatments, such as chemotherapy and steroids. Through a review of the literature, we reported the immunological basis of the response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the existing antiviral treatments used in pediatric cancer patients, and the importance of vaccination. In conclusion, we reported the real-life experience of our pediatric oncology unit during the pandemic period.

EXPERT OPINION

Starting from the data available in literature, and our experience, showing the rarity of severe COVID-19 disease in pediatric patients with solid tumors, we recommend carefully tailoring all the oncological treatments (chemotherapy/targeted therapy/stem cell transplantation/radiotherapy). The aim is the preservation of the treatment's timing, balanced with an evaluation of possible severe COVID-19 disease.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 in Children

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is common in children, and clinical manifestations can vary depending on age, underlying disease, and vaccination status. Most children will have asymptomatic or mild infection, but certain baseline characteristics can increase the risk of moderate to severe disease. The following article will provide an overview of the clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 in children, including the post-infectious phenomenon called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Currently available treatment and prophylaxis strategies will be outlined, with the caveat that new therapeutics and clinical efficacy data are constantly on the horizon.

Clinical efficacy analysis of paxlovid in children with hematological diseases infected with the omicron SARS-CoV-2 new variant

Objective

To summarize the clinical characteristics of children with hematological malignancies co-infected with novel coronavirus and explore the safety and effectiveness of Paxlovid treatment.

Methods

From December 10, 2022, to January 20, 2023, the clinical data of children with hematological diseases diagnosed with novel coronavirus infection in the outpatient and emergency department of the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

According to whether to give paxlovid or not, it is divided into group A (paxlovid group) and group B (non-paxlovid group). The length of fever was 1-6 days in group A and 0-3 days in group B. The viral clearance time was shorter in group A than in group B. The inflammatory indexes CRP and PCT were significantly higher in group A than in group B (P < 0.05). Twenty patients were followed up for 1 month after leaving the hospital, and there were 5 cases of reappearance of fever, 1 case of increased sleep, 1 case of physical fatigue and 1 case of loss of appetite within 2 weeks.

Conclusions

Paxlovid has no apparent adverse reactions in children 12 years old and younger with underlying hematological diseases infected with the new coronavirus. Focusing on the interaction between paxlovid and other drugs is necessary during the treatment.

Clinical Impact and Risk Factors of Mortality in Hospitalized Children and Adolescents With Hematologic Diseases and COVID-19: An Observational Retrospective Cohort Study

This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for COVID-19-related death in a large cohort of hospitalized children with hematological disorders. We performed an analysis of all pediatric patients with COVID-19 registered in a Brazilian nationwide surveillance database between February 2020 and May 2021. The primary outcome was time to death, which was evaluated considering discharge as a competitive risk by using the cumulative incidence function. Among 21,591 hospitalized pediatric patients with COVID-19, 596 cases (2.8%) had hematological diseases. Sixty-one children (27.4%) with malignant hematological diseases had a fatal outcome as compared with 4.2% and 7.4% of nonmalignant hematological and nonhematological cohorts, respectively ( P <0.0001). Children with hematological diseases had a significant increased hazard of death compared with those without these conditions (hazard ratio [HR],=2.40, 95% confidence interval, 1.98 - 2.91). In multivariable analysis, the factors associated with death were the presence of malignant hematological disease (HR, 2.22, 95% CI 1.47 - 3.36), age >10 years (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.46 - 3.19), male (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.02 - 2.27), oxygen saturation <95% (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.38 - 2.96), and abdominal pain at admission (HR 2.75, 95% CI 1.76 - 4.27). Children with malignant hematological diseases had a higher risk of death compared with those without these disorders.

Risk factors for a severe disease course in children with SARS-COV-2 infection following hematopoietic cell transplantation in the pre-Omicron period: a prospective multinational Infectious Disease Working Party from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation group (EBMT) and the Spanish Group of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (GETH) study

Risk factors for severe SARS-Cov-2 infection course are poorly described in children following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). In this international study, we analyzed factors associated with a severe course (intensive care unit (ICU) admission and/or mortality) in post-HCT children. Eighty-nine children (58% male; median age 9 years (min-max 1-18)) who received an allogeneic (85; 96%) or an autologous (4; 4%) HCT were reported from 28 centers (18 countries). Median time from HCT to SARS-Cov-2 infection was 7 months (min-max 0-181). The most common clinical manifestations included fever (37; 42%) and cough (26; 29%); 37 (42%) were asymptomatic. Nine (10%) children following allo-HCT required ICU care. Seven children (8%) following allo-HCT, died at a median of 22 days after SARS-Cov-2 diagnosis. In a univariate analysis, the probability of a severe disease course was higher in allo-HCT children with chronic GVHD, non-malignant disease, immune suppressive treatment (specifically, mycophenolate), moderate immunodeficiency score, low Lansky score, fever, cough, coinfection, pulmonary radiological findings, and high C-reactive protein. In conclusion, SARS-Cov-2 infection in children following HCT was frequently asymptomatic. Despite this, 10% needed ICU admission and 8% died in our cohort. Certain HCT, underlying disease, and SARS-Cov-2 related factors were associated with a severe disease course.

Risk of Mortality in Bone Marrow Transplant Patients During SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Recipients of bone marrow transplant with COVID-19 are at high risk of mortality and morbidity from their underlying immunocompromised state. Graft-versus-host disease and other comorbidities lead to poor COVID-19 outcomes in these patients. Understanding the outcomes and clinical characteristics of bone marrow transplant recipients with COVID-19 is needed to devise potential life-saving therapies for patients with hematologic malignancies. Reviewing large data sets from different ethnic groups and regions can lead to better understanding. We conducted a systematic review ofreal-world data from prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies that reported the clinical outcomes of COVID- 19 in bone marrow transplant patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar), with a cut off date of May 31, 2022, to conduct our search. After screening 349 articles, we selected 33 original reports for screening. After screening these articles for eligibility criteria, we selected 12 studies for final data extraction. We extracted data per the preferred reporting items followed for systematic reviews. Quality evaluation was done with a Cochrane risk-of bias tool for nonrandomized studies (ROBINS-1).

RESULTS

Bone marrow transplant recipients with COVID-19 experienced poor disease outcomes and high mortality rates. Patient age, immunosuppressant intensity, and presence of graft-versus-host disease or other underlying comorbidities directly affected mortality rates of bone marrow transplant recipients with COVID-19. Other factors, like type of malignancy, type of transplant, and time between transplant and COVID-19 diagnosis, did not affect mortality or poor outcomes of COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone marrow transplant recipients have a higher risk of mortality and poor disease outcomes from COVID-19. Because curative therapies for COVID- 19 are not available, the only option available is its prevention. Transplant centers worldwide, as pertheir capacities, should develop and adhere to strict standard operating procedures based on international or national guidelines related to transplant recipients with COVID-19.

Assessing the Efficacy of Early Therapies against SARS-CoV-2 in Hematological Patients: A Real-Life Study from a COVID-19 Referral Centre in Northern Italy

Early therapies to prevent severe COVID-19 have an unclear impact on patients with hematological malignancies. The aim of this study was to assess their efficacy in this group of high-risk patients with COVID-19 in preventing hospitalizations and reducing the SARS-CoV-2 shedding. This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study conducted in the Fondazione IRCSS Policlinico San Matteo of Pavia, Northern Italy. We extracted the data of patients with hematologic malignancies and COVID-19 who received and did not receive early COVID-19 treatment between 23 December 2021, and May 2022. We used a Cox proportional hazard model to assess whether receiving any early treatment was associated with lower rates of hospitalization and reduced viral shedding. Data from 88 patients with hematologic malignancies were extracted. Among the patients, 55 (62%) received any early treatment, whereas 33 (38%) did not. Receiving any early therapy did not significantly reduce the hospitalization rate in patients with hematologic malignancies (HR 0.51; SE 0.63; p-value = 0.28), except in the vaccinated non-responders subgroup of patients with negative anti SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at the time of infection, who benefited from early therapies against SARS-CoV-2 (HR 0.07; SE 1.04; p-value = 0.001). Moreover, no difference on viral load decay was observed. In our cohort of patients with hematologic malignancies infected with SARS-CoV-2, early treatment were not effective in reducing the hospitalization rate due to COVID-19, neither in reducing its viral shedding.

COVID-19 outcomes in children, adolescents and young adults with cancer

Pediatric oncology patients are at risk for poor outcomes with respiratory viral infections. Outcome data for COVID-19 in children and young adults with cancer are needed; data are sparse for obese/overweight and adolescent and young adult subgroups. We conducted a single center cohort study of COVID-19 outcomes in patients younger than 25 years with cancer. Candidate hospitalization risk factors were analyzed via univariable and multivariable analyses. Eighty-seven patients with cancer and COVID-19 were identified. Most were Hispanic/Latinx (n = 63, 72%). Forty-two (48%) were overweight/obese. Anticancer therapy included chemotherapy only (n = 64, 74%), chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T, n = 7), hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT, n = 12), or CAR-T and HSCT (n = 4). There was no COVID-19 related mortality. Twenty-six patients (30%) required COVID-19 related hospitalization; 4 required multiple hospitalizations. Nine (10%) had severe/critical infection; 6 needed intensive care. COVID-19 resulted in anticancer therapy delays in 22 (34%) of 64 patients on active therapy (median delay = 14 days). Factors associated with hospitalization included steroids within 2 weeks prior to infection, lymphopenia, previous significant non-COVID infection, and low COVID-19 PCR cycle threshold value. CAR-T recipients with B-cell aplasia tended to have severe/critical infection (3 of 7 patients). A COVID-19 antibody response was detected in 14 of 32 patients (44%). A substantial proportion of COVID-19 infected children and young adults with cancer require inpatient management; morbidity may be high in B-cell immunodeficiency. However, a majority of patients can be taken through chemotherapy without prolonged therapy delays. Viral load is a potential outcome predictor in COVID-19 in pediatric cancer.

Novel approaches to the prediction and diagnosis of pulmonary complications in the paediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplant patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) remains the only curative treatment option for many children with relapsed leukaemia, primary immunodeficiencies and haemoglobinopathies. Unfortunately, infectious and noninfectious pulmonary complications following HSCT continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality. This review will focus on recent advances in the field that enhance clinically available diagnostic tools and the role of novel diagnostic techniques.

RECENT FINDINGS

Research continues to highlight the role of standard diagnostic modalities, including imaging using computed topography chest and Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in the diagnosis of posttransplant pulmonary infections. Similarly, bronchoalveolar lavage using bronchoscopy to obtain samples for microbiological analysis remains an important tool in the clinical and diagnostic algorithm for these children. The application of more novel diagnostic techniques such as metagenomic next-generation sequencing and the use of specific biomarkers remain potential future tools in children in whom the aetiology of posttransplant lung disease is unknown. The impact of the pulmonary microbiome on infectious and noninfectious pulmonary disease post HSCT is a future research direction.

SUMMARY

Pulmonary infectious complications post HSCT remain a devastating complication for children and their families. Despite improvements in standard and novel diagnostic modalities, the aetiology of pulmonary disease remains unknown for many patients. There is an urgent need for ongoing collaborative research to bridge this critical knowledge gap and lead to better patient outcomes.

Supportive care in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia:Expert-based recommendations of the NOPHO-DB-SHIP consortium

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the second most common type of pediatric leukemia. Patients with AML are at high risk for several complications such as infections, typhlitis, and acute and long-term cardiotoxicity. Despite this knowledge, there are no definite supportive care guidelines as to what the best approach is to manage or prevent these complications.

AREA COVERED

The NOPHO-DB-SHIP (Nordic-Dutch-Belgian-Spain-Hong-Kong-Israel-Portugal) consortium, in preparation for a new trial in pediatric AML patients, had dedicated meetings for supportive care. In this review, the authors discuss the available data and outline recommendations for the management of children and adolescents with AML with an emphasis on hyperleukocytosis, tumor lysis syndrome, coagulation abnormalities and bleeding, infection, typhlitis, malnutrition, cardiotoxicity, and fertility preservation.

EXPERT OPINION

Improved supportive care has significantly contributed to increased cure rates. Recommendations on supportive care are an essential part of treatment for this highly susceptible population and will further improve their outcome.

COVID-19 seroprevalence and clinical picture in Swedish pediatric oncology and hematology patients

BACKGROUND

Children develop symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) more rarely than adults upon infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Pediatric oncology and hematology patients may be at increased risk of severe COVID-19 due to their underlying disease or treatment. We investigated COVID-19 and seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, respectively, in a Swedish cohort of pediatric oncology and hematology patients.

PROCEDURE

Patients (n = 136) were recruited between June 2020 and September 2021 at Uppsala University Children's Hospital, Sweden. Up to six consecutive blood samples per patient were analyzed for wild-type anti-S1 IgM and IgG antibodies (including after vaccination, n = 4). Clinical data on COVID-19 (including polymerase chain reaction [PCR] test results) were collected from electronic medical records. A questionnaire was completed at recruitment.

RESULTS

A cumulative seroprevalence (IgM and IgG) of 33% (45/136 patients, 95% confidence interval: 25%-41%) was observed in this patient cohort, of whom 66% (90/136 patients) were under severe immunosuppressive treatment during the study period. Increasing patient age (p = .037) and PCR test results (p < .002) were associated with seropositivity in nonvaccinated cases. Most seropositive, nonvaccinated cases (32/43, 74%) were never PCR-verified for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of the 13 patients with PCR-verified infection, nine (69%) reported mild disease. A majority (63%) reported continued school attendance during the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

Swedish pediatric oncology and hematology patients developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, despite their diagnosis and/or treatment, and the observed seroprevalence was similar to that in national pediatric outpatients. PCR-verified cases underestimate the true incidence of COVID-19 in this patient cohort.

Case report: Application of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir to treat COVID-19 in a severe aplastic anemia child after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

We present a case report of successful treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlvoid) for a severe aplastic anemia child with COVID-19, cytopenia, and mixed chimerism of donor hematopoietic cells at 3 months after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. After the 5-day entire course of treatment, the clinical symptoms were relieved, cycle threshold values of ORF1a/b and N genes increased from 22.60 and 22.15 to 34.52 and 33.84, respectively, and the peripheral blood counts gradually recovered without graft failure. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir can effectively inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 without any significant adverse effects.

Favorable outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric hematology oncology patients during the second and third pandemic waves in Italy: a multicenter analysis from the Infectious Diseases Working Group of the Associazione Italiana di Ematologia e Oncologia Pediatrica (AIEOP)

COVID-19 has a mild clinical course with low mortality rate in general pediatric population, while variable outcomes have been described in children with cancer. Infectious diseases working party of the AIEOP collected data on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infections in pediatric oncology/hematology patients from April 2020 to May 2021, including the second and the third waves of the pandemic in Italy. Factors potentially associated with moderate, severe, or critical COVID-19 were analyzed. Of the 153 SARS-Cov2 infections recorded, 100 were asymptomatic and 53 symptomatic. The course of COVID-19 was mild in 41, moderate in 2, severe in 5, and critical in 5 children. A total of 40.5% of patients were hospitalized, ten requiring oxygen support and 5 admitted to the intensive care unit. Antibiotics and steroids were the most used therapies. No patient died due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Infections occurring early (< 60 days) after the diagnosis of the underlying disease or after SCT were associated to moderate, severe, and critical disease compared to infections occurring late (> 60 days) or during maintenance therapy. In the patients on active chemotherapy, 59% withdrew the treatment for a median of 15 days. SARS-CoV-2 presented a favorable outcome in children with cancer in Italy during the pandemic. Modification of therapy represents a major concern in this population. Our findings suggest considering regular chemotherapy continuation, particularly in patients on maintenance therapy or infected late after the diagnosis.

Recommendations for the management of COVID-19 in patients with haematological malignancies or haematopoietic cell transplantation, from the 2021 European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia (ECIL 9)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel virus that spread worldwide from 2019 causing the Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterised by an initial viral phase followed in some patients by a severe inflammatory phase. Importantly, immunocompromised patients may have a prolonged viral phase, shedding infectious viral particles for months, and absent or dysfunctional inflammatory phase. Among haematological patients, COVID-19 has been associated with high mortality rate in acute leukaemia, high risk-myelodysplastic syndromes, and after haematopoietic cell transplant and chimeric-antigen-receptor-T therapies. The clinical symptoms and signs were similar to that reported for the overall population, but the severity and outcome were worse. The deferral of immunodepleting cellular therapy treatments is recommended for SARS-CoV-2 positive patient, while in the other at-risk cases, the haematological treatment decisions must be weighed between individual risks and benefits. The gold standard for the diagnosis is the detection of viral RNA by nucleic acid testing on nasopharyngeal-swabbed sample, which provides high sensitivity and specificity; while rapid antigen tests have a lower sensitivity, especially in asymptomatic patients. The prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection is based on strict infection control measures recommended for aerosol-droplet-and-contact transmission. Vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 has shown high efficacy in reducing community transmission, hospitalisation and deaths due to severe COVID-19 disease in the general population, but immunosuppressed/haematology patients may have lower sero-responsiveness to vaccinations. Moreover, the recent emergence of new variants may require vaccine modifications and strategies to improve efficacy in these vulnerable patients. Beyond supportive care, the specific treatment is directed at viral replication control (antivirals, anti-spike monoclonal antibodies) and, in patients who need it, to the control of inflammation (dexamethasone, anti-Il-6 agents, and others). However, the benefit of all these various prophylactic and therapeutic treatments in haematology patients deserves further studies.

COVID-19 outcomes in paediatric cancer: A large scale pooled meta-analysis of 984 cancer patients

We aimed to study the outcomes of COVID‐19 in paediatric cancer patients. On 26 October 2021, we did a systematic search for relevant articles in seven electronic databases followed by manual search. We included cancer patients aged ≤18 years. Event rates and the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were used to report the results. We included 21 papers after screening of 2759 records. The pooled rates of hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality were 44% (95%CI: 30–59), 14% (95%CI: 9–21) and 9% (95%CI: 6–12), respectively. Moreover, subgroup analysis revealed that high income countries had better COVID‐19 outcomes compared to upper middle income countries and lower middle income countries in terms of hospitalisation 30% (95%CI: 17–46), 60% (95%CI: 29–84) and 47% (95%CI: 36–58), ICU admission 7% (95%CI: 1–32), 13% (95%CI: 7–23) and 18% (95%CI: 6–41), and mortality 3% (95%CI: 2–5), 12% (95%CI: 8–18) and 13% (95%CI: 8–20), in order. In general, absence of specific pharmacologic intervention to prevent infection with the scarcity of vaccination coverage data among paediatric groups and its impact, high priority caution is required to avoid SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among paediatric cancer patients. Furthermore, our results highlight the importance of promoting care facilities for this vulnerable population in low and middle income regions to ensure quality care among cancer patients during pandemic crisis.

SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric cancer: a systematic review

The outbreak of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in December 2019 in Wuhan challenges pediatric oncologists in an unexpected way. We provide a comprehensive overview, which systematically summarizes and grades evidence (QoE) on SARS-CoV-2 infections in pediatric cancer patients at 1.5 years of pandemic. A systematic literature search in PubMed combined with an additional exploratory literature review in other international databases was conducted to identify studies on children (aged < 18 years) with a malignant disease and COVID-19 infections. In total, 45 reports on 1003 pediatric cancer patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections were identified out of 1397 reports analyzed. The clinical course of COVID-19 was reported mild or moderate in 358 patients (41.7%), whereas 11.1% of patients showed severe COVID-19. In 12.7% of patients, chemotherapy was postponed, whereas 19% of patients with different underlying malignancies received chemotherapy during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Twenty-five patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections died, potentially related to COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

Despite a favorable COVID-19 outcome in most pediatric cancer patients, the morbidity is reported higher than in children without comorbidities. However, no severe COVID-19 complications were associated to the continuation of chemotherapy in some cohort studies and reports on two patients. Therefore, the risk of cancer progress or relapse due to interruption of chemotherapy has carefully to be weighed against the risk of severe COVID-19 disease with potentially fatal outcome.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Most of pediatric patients with malignant diseases show an asymptomatic, mild or moderate clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. • Current need for a basis for decision-making, whether to stop or interrupt cancer treatment in a patient infected with SARS-CoV-2, and when to continue chemotherapy.

WHAT IS NEW

• Review results comprising over 1000 pediatric COVID-19 cancer patients confirm mild courses of SARS-CoV-2 infection in most patients but also show the attributable mortality is at least 10 times higher compared to reports on hospitalized children without comorbidities. • Review identifies that chemotherapy was continued despite SARS-CoV-2 positivity in 18% of patients with individual chemotherapy modification according to the clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection and existing comorbidities. On this basis, no severe COVID-19 complications were associated to the continuation of chemotherapy in several cohort studies and two case reports.