COVID-19 in hematology: data from a hematologic and transplant unit

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, special attention has been addressed in cancer care to mitigate the impact on the patient's prognosis. We addressed our preparation to face COVID-19 pandemic in a Hematological and Stem Cell Transplant Unit in Brazil during the first two months of COVID-19 pandemic and described COVID-19 cases in patients and health care workers (HCW). Modifications in daily routines included a separation of area and professionals, SARS-CoV-2 screening protocols, and others. A total of 47 patients and 54 HCW were tested for COVID-19, by PCR-SARS-CoV-2. We report 11 cases of COVID-19 in hematological patients (including 2 post stem cell transplant) and 28 cases in HCW. Hematological cases were most severe or moderate and presented with several poor risk factors. Among HCW, COVID-19 were mostly mild, and all recovered without hospitalization. A cluster was observed among HCW. Despite a decrease in the number of procedures, the Transplant Program performed 8 autologous and 4 allogeneic SCT during the period, and 49 onco-hematological patients were admitted to continuing their treatments. Although we observed a high frequency of COVID-19 among patients and HCW, showing that SARS-CoV-2 is disseminated in Brazil, hematological patients were safely treated during pandemic times.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cancer; Cancer care; Health care worker; Pandemic; SARS-CoV-2; Stem cell transplant.

Fig. 1

Timeline of COVID-19 cases in hematological patients (Fig-1A) and in healthcare workers (HCW) (Fig- 1B) from SCT Unit. COVID-19 acquisition: community (blue cases) and intra-hospital (red cases).

Fig. 2

Cumulative COVID-19 incidence in healthcare workers (HCW) (Fig. 2.1) and by professional categories (Fig. 2.2).

Fig. 3

Cumulative cases of COVID-19 in south-eastern States in Brazil during pandemic. SP: São Paulo State; RJ: Rio de Janeiro State; ES: Espírito Santo State; MG: Minas Gerais State.