Cardiorespiratory complications in pediatric oncology patients with
COVID-19 infection
Abstract
The risk of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to pediatric
oncology patients is unknown. Here, we report eight pediatric oncology
patients receiving active cancer therapy that tested positive for
COVID-19. Three developed severe cardiorespiratory symptoms (as defined
by evidence of heart failure by echocardiogram and/or intubation
secondary to respiratory failure), including one death as a result of
COVID-19 infection. We identified prior anthracycline exposure and
pre-COVID cardiac function as significantly associated with the
development of severe cardiorespiratory complications. These data merit
future and further investigation of risk factors for severe
complications related to COVID-19 infections in pediatric oncology
patients.