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Changes in Hospitalization and Infection Burden in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Before and During the COVID-19
Sunil Lakhwani1,2, Cristian L Gutiérrez-Padilla1, Raúl Domínguez-Guerra1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology and Psychiatry, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristobal de La Laguna, Islas Canarias, Spain.
Abstract:
Background: The increasing incidence and improved survival rates of multiple myeloma (MM) have led to a growing healthcare burden, particularly in terms of hospitalizations. In addition, infection-related complications remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. The impact of infection control measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic on hospitalization patterns in MM is not well-established. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study including all hospital admissions of patients with MM in a tertiary hospital in Spain across three different periods: 2008, 2018, and May 2020 to April 2021 (COVID-19 pandemic period). We analyzed the proportion of admissions, cumulative length of stay, causes of hospitalization, and infection-related complications. Results: The proportion of hospitalizations due to MM increased significantly from 14% in 2008 to 29.8% in 2018 (p < 0.001), along with a parallel increase in cumulative length of stay (14.4% vs. 27.1%, p < 0.001). During the COVID-19 period, a significant reduction in the proportion of admissions was observed compared to 2018 (21.2% vs. 29.8%, p = 0.0029), while cumulative length of stay showed a non-significant decrease. The proportion of infection-related admissions remained stable during the pandemic period, although the absolute number of infections decreased, including respiratory infections. Notably, the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia decreased significantly (26.3% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.028). Conclusions: Compared with 2008, patients with MM accounted for a substantially higher proportion of hospital admissions and cumulative hospital stay in 2018, reflecting the increasing healthcare burden associated with this disease. During the COVID-19 period, a significant reduction in nosocomial pneumonia was observed, suggesting that infection-control strategies may help reduce respiratory complications in patients with MM.
Insights
Hospitalizations for multiple myeloma (MM) increased significantly by 2018. During the COVID-19 pandemic, infection control measures reduced nosocomial pneumonia in MM patients, suggesting effective strategies for respiratory complications.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) incidence and survival rates are rising, increasing healthcare burden and hospitalizations.
- Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in MM patients.
- The impact of COVID-19 infection control on MM hospitalizations is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze hospitalization patterns and infection-related complications in multiple myeloma (MM) patients.
- To evaluate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic infection control measures on MM hospitalizations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study of MM hospital admissions in a Spanish tertiary hospital.
- Analysis across three periods: 2008, 2018, and May 2020-April 2021 (COVID-19 pandemic).
- Examined proportion of admissions, length of stay, causes, and infection complications.
Main Results:
- MM hospitalizations rose from 14% (2008) to 29.8% (2018), with increased length of stay.
- During COVID-19, MM admissions decreased to 21.2% compared to 2018.
- Nosocomial pneumonia incidence significantly reduced during the pandemic (26.3% vs. 9.6%).
Conclusions:
- MM patients represent a growing proportion of hospital admissions and stay, indicating an increasing disease burden.
- COVID-19 infection control measures significantly reduced nosocomial pneumonia in MM patients.
- Infection control strategies show potential in mitigating respiratory complications for MM patients.
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