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Clinical Outcomes of Pediatric Cancer Patients with COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study
Yasaman Arian1, Pooya Faranoush1, Fahime Ehsanipour1
1Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Children with cancer face risks from COVID-19, with fever and cough being common symptoms. Elevated inflammatory markers like ESR and CRP were observed, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in managing these vulnerable patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted children, especially those with cancer, raising concerns about transmission, mortality, and disease presentation.
- Existing studies highlighted varied outcomes of COVID-19 in pediatric cancer patients globally.
- This study aimed to enhance the understanding and care of pediatric cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 in children with cancer.
- To identify common symptoms and diagnostic findings in this vulnerable population.
- To inform improved management strategies for pediatric cancer patients during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted.
- Blood samples (20 mL) were collected from participants diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Diagnostic tests included CT scans, chest X-rays, complete blood count, ESR, CRP, and D-Dimer.
Main Results:
- The study included 38 patients (26 males, 12 females) with a mean age of 3.81 ± 6.35 years.
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) was the most common cancer diagnosis (47.7%).
- Common symptoms were fever (73.7%), cough (39.5%), and nausea/vomiting (21.1%). Pathological findings on chest CT scans were present in 40.4%. Elevated ESR (60.52%) and CRP (73.68%) were frequently observed.
Conclusions:
- While most children with cancer in this cohort experienced manageable COVID-19 outcomes, risks remain.
- The long-term impact of treatment delays and direct viral effects on pediatric cancer patients is still uncertain.
- Continued monitoring and specialized care are crucial for children with cancer during infectious disease outbreaks.
Abstract:
Background: Considering the widespread COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, especially on children, particularly those with cancer, in terms of transmission risk, mortality, and the occurrence of the disease based on various studies in different countries, we decided to conduct this study to improve the care of children with cancer regarding COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 consisted of obtaining 20 mL of blood samples from the participants in a random manner. Diagnostic examinations, including CT scans, chest X-rays, and a range of hematologic and blood tests, such as complete blood count, ESR, CRP, and D-Dimer, were performed on all patients. Results: This study contains 26 males and 12 females. The mean age of the patients was 3.81 ± 6.35 years. The majority of cancer patients with COVID-19 were diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) (47.7%). The most common symptoms of COVID-19 in the patients were fever (73.7%), cough (39.5%), and nausea/vomiting (21.1%). 40.4% of the patients had pathological findings suggestive of COVID-19 on their chest CT scans. 60.52% of the patients had an elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), and 73.68% had an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Conclusion: Despite the outcomes of COVID-19 in most children with cancer in this study, children with cancer still experience risks from COVID-19, and it is unclear how delays and interruptions in cancer treatment and direct damage from the virus may impact long-term outcomes in these patients.
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