Patients with CLL have a lower risk of death from COVID-19 in the Omicron era

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients exhibit high mortality rates from COVID-19.
• The Omicron variant (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with milder COVID-19 in the general population, but its impact on immunocompromised individuals remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the outcomes of COVID-19 infection, specifically with the Omicron variant, in patients with CLL.
• To assess the 30-day mortality rates and hospitalization trends in CLL patients before and after Omicron variant dominance.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patients with CLL tested for SARS-CoV-2.
• Comparison of hospitalization, ICU admission, and 30-day mortality rates in cohorts before and after Omicron variant dominance.
• Inclusion of both a hospital-based cohort and a larger population-based cohort.

Main Results:

• Hospitalization and ICU admission rates decreased after Omicron dominance.
• A significant 30-day mortality rate of 23% was observed in CLL patients during the Omicron BA.2 sublineage period within a hospital cohort.
• A lower 30-day mortality rate of 2% was found in a larger population-based CLL cohort.

Conclusions:

• Despite milder courses in the general population, Omicron variants pose a continued risk to CLL patients.
• CLL patients, particularly those over 70 with comorbidities, require vigilant monitoring and prompt antiviral treatment post-SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis.
• Close hospital contacts increase risk, necessitating proactive management strategies for this vulnerable group.