Risk factors and outcomes of COVID‐19 in adult patients with hematological malignancies: A single‐center study showing lower than expected rates of hospitalization and mortality

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundStudies addressing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in patients with hematological malignancies have reported mortality rates of up to 40%; however, included predominantly hospitalized patients.MethodsDuring the first year of the pandemic, we followed adult patients with hematological malignancies treated at a tertiary center in Jerusalem, Israel, who contracted COVID‐19, with the aim of studying risk factors for adverse COVID‐19‐related outcomes. We used remote communication to track patients managed at home‐isolation, and patient questioning to assess the source of COVID‐19 infection, community versus nosocomial.ResultsOur series included 183 patients, median age was 62.5 years, 72% had at least one comorbidity and 39% were receiving active antineoplastic treatment. Hospitalization, critical COVID‐19, and mortality rates were 32%, 12.6%, and 9.8%, respectively, remarkably lower than previously reported. Age, multiple comorbidities, and active antineoplastic treatment were significantly associated with hospitalization due to COVID‐19. Treatment with monoclonal antibodies was strongly associated with both hospitalization and critical COVID‐19. In older (≥60) patients not receiving active antineoplastic treatment, mortality, and severe COVID‐19 rates were comparable to those of the general Israeli population. We did not detect patients that contracted COVID‐19 within the Hematology Division.ConclusionThese findings are relevant for the future management of patients with hematological malignancies in COVID‐19‐affected regions.