A comprehensive update of ICET-A Network on COVID-19 in thalassemias: what we know and where we stand

COVID-19 and β-thalassemia: in lieu of evidence and vague nexus

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing acute systemic disorders and multi-organ damage. β-thalassemia (β-T) is an autosomal recessive disorder leading to the development of anemia. β-T may lead to complications such as immunological disorders, iron overload, oxidative stress, and endocrinopathy. β-T and associated complications may increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2, as inflammatory disturbances and oxidative stress disorders are linked with COVID-19. Therefore, the objective of the present review was to elucidate the potential link between β-T and COVID-19 regarding the underlying comorbidities. The present review showed that most of the β-T patients with COVID-19 revealed mild to moderate clinical features, and β-T may not be linked with Covid-19 severity. Though patients with transfusion-dependent β-T (TDT) develop less COVID-19 severity compared to non-transfusion-depend β-T(NTDT), preclinical and clinical studies are recommended in this regard.

Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in patients with benign and malignant blood disorders

Patients with moderate to severe immunosuppression, a condition that is common in many hematologic diseases because of the pathology itself or its treatment, are at high risk for COVID-19 and its complications. While empirical data are sometimes conflicting, this heightened risk has been confirmed in multiple well-done studies for patients with hematologic malignancies, particularly those with B-cell lymphoid malignancies who received lymphocytotoxic therapies, those with a history of recent hematopoietic stem cell transplant and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, and, to a lesser degree, those with hemoglobinopathies. Patients with immunosuppression need to have a lower threshold for avoiding indoor public spaces where they are unable to effectively keep a safe distance from others, and wear a high-quality well-fitting mask, especially when community levels are not low. They should receive an enhanced initial vaccine regimen and additional boosting. Therapeutic options are available and immunosuppressed patients are prioritized per the NIH.

Integrative management of critical case of Covid 19 with Ayurveda and Modern medicine: A case report

Covid 19 pandemic has placed challenges in front of medical health fraternity in terms of management, prevention and immunity building. Effectiveness of any medication has not conclusively proven; hence there is need for integrative management of Covid 19. We have managed a critical case of Covid-19 having history of thalassemia, hypothyroidism with integrative management of Ayurveda and modern medicine. A male patient (59 years of age) with history of thalassemia had complaints of cough and breathlessness since 4 days. He performed RT PCR because of his exposure to a Covid positive cases in immediate family. He was treated with Favipiravir at home for 5 days. He deteriorated on 6th day with SPO₂ dropped to 75%, temp raised to 101 F and respiratory rate (RR) raised to 45/min. He was admitted in Yogeshwari Hospital Daund, Maharashtra; treated with oxygen inhalation, Remdesvir and Ayurveda medicines in intensive care unit (ICU). Ayurveda treatment protocol was advised through telemedicine. Significant improvement in clinical symptoms and normal HRCT was observed at completion of treatment. This case report provides further directions for integrative management in cases of Covid 19. Further clinical research studies in this direction are warranted.

First report of COVID-19 reinfection in a patient with beta thalassemia major

To optimize care for patients with hemoglobinopathies, frequent screening for COVID-19 is prudent as viral kinetics in asplenic patients are unknown and differentiating prolonged viral shedding versus reinfection remains a challenge.

COVID-19 and thalassemia beta major in splenectomized patient: Clinical case progression and literature review

Although the possibility of asymptomatic course for COVID-19 infection in splenectomized thalassemia beta major patients is present, screening them for COVID-19 is important as the progression is still not clear.