Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Children and Adolescents with
cancer infected with SARS-CoV2 at a Tertiary Care Medical Center in
Jordan.
Abstract
Background: Our knowledge about SARS-CoV2 infection is still evolving,
its effects and complications on children and adolescents with cancer
need to be studied more. The aim of this study is to present our
experience with SARS-CoV2 infection in this population and to highlight
specific complications and outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective
and prospective observational study, involved 21 cancer patients below
the age of 18 years in north Jordan. Data regarding age, sex, cancer
type, phase of treatment, duration between infection and chemotherapy
and others were collected and reviewed. Results: A total of 21 patients
with malignancy were included. Mean age of 8.5 years. Two patients
(9.5%) had died; 4.7% is COVID related mortality and 4.7% related to
cancer progression. Four patients had disease progression following
SARS-CoV2 infection. Six cases developed hematological malignancy weeks
to months after SARS-CoV2 infection and one patient was diagnosed with
malignancy concomitantly with COVID-19 infection. Out of 15 patients
with pre-existing malignancy, 1 patient (7%) developed pulmonary
embolism, 4 (27%) patients were diagnosed with pneumonia and one
patient was diagnosed with pericarditis (7%), 2 (13%) patients were
admitted to pediatric intensive care unit. Regarding oxygen
requirements; a total of 3 (20%) patients required some form of Oxygen
supplementation. Conclusion: Diagnosis of COVID19 should not distract
physicians from investigating new malignancy or relapse as they may come
together or may be the result of COVID-19 infection. More studies and
investigations are needed to identify the contribution of corona virus
in pathogenesis of cancer.