The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Organization of Cardio-Hematology Care—A Polish Single Center Experience

Abstract

Background and Objectives: We present a retrospective report on the cardio-hematological care of hematology patients at a university hospital in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The number of hospitalizations at the Hematology Department and cardio-hematology consultations throughout 2019 and 2020 was analyzed. The types of cardiac procedures, risk factors, and complications were also assessed. Results: A significant reduction in the number of hospitalizations was observed in 2020 as compared to 2019. However, there were no significant differences in the incidence of hematological diseases between both of the analyzed years. In 2019, 299 cardiac consultations were performed in hematological patients, and there was a total of 352 such consultations performed in 2020 (p = 0.042). Less high-risk tests (transesophageal and stress echocardiography) were performed in 2020, in favor of the use of cardiac computed tomography in cardiac diagnostics as it was safer during the pandemic. At least one cardiovascular risk factor during cardiac consultation was noted in 42% and 48% of hematological patients in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Among 651 examined hematological patients, the most common findings were mild cardiac complications of hemato-oncological treatment, which were found in 57 patients. Conclusions: This study seems to confirm that during a pandemic there is an increased demand for well-organized cardio-hematology consultations.