Abstract
Introduction Pediatric oncology patients presumably are one of the most vulnerable groups during
this ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Not only they are immunocompromised
thanks to their inherent disease and treatment regimens, but delay in initiation and
maintenance of their treatment in this pandemic era also poses great concern. But
the magnitude of this effect on pediatric oncology patients has not been well established
due to paucity of data.
Objective This study was proposed to assess clinicoepidemiological profile and outcome of the
pediatric oncology patients who were infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome
coronavirus 2 virus attending a COVID-19 care facility.
Materials and Methods This was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital.
All confirmed oncology patients up to age 12 years who either attended the oncology
outpatient department or referred to COVID-19 care center from other cancer treatment
facility were included in the study from May 2020 to September 2020. Data on demography,
clinical features, investigations, treatment, complications, and outcome were collected.
Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and common relevant investigations
were compared between non-intensive care unit (ICU) and ICU group.
Results The rate of COVID-19 positivity among the pediatric oncology patient attending oncology
clinic of the hospital is 8.21%. Total 28 patients (12 from oncology clinic of our
hospital and 16 from other hospitals referred to our COVID-19 unit) were included
in our study. The most common malignancy was acute lymphoblastic leukemia (64.28%).
The most common symptom was fever (64.28%). Oxygen therapy was needed for 42.85% patients.
Eight patients required ICU admission (two required invasive ventilation and one required
noninvasive ventilation). Positive C-reactive protein value was associated with severe
disease requiring ICU admission. Mean delay in starting chemotherapy in newly diagnosed
cases was 28.77 days (standard deviation = 9.67). One newly diagnosed patient expired
due to preexisting disease.
Conclusion Though vulnerable, most of the pediatric oncology patients suffered a mild COVID-19
infection without any significant COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality. There
is a significant delay in starting specific oncology therapy, that is, chemotherapy
as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in newly diagnosed pediatric oncology
patients, which can increase morbidities and mortality related to malignancy.
Keywords
COVID-19 - pediatric oncology - pandemic - childhood malignancy
