Impact of COVID-19 Related Restrictions on Infections in Children with Cancer or after Hematopoietic SCT
Related Research units
Abstract
Patients and methods We analyzed all admissions to the clinic of pediatric hematology, oncology and stem cell transplantation (SCT) with (suspected) infection or fever of unknown origin (FUO) from 2018 to 2021.
Results We compared a 27-month period before NPIs (Pre-COVID: 01/2018–03/2020; 1041 cases) with a 12-month period with underlying NPIs (COVID: 04/2020–03/2021; 420 cases). During the COVID period the number of in-patient stays with FUO or infections decreased (38,6 cases/month vs. 35,0 cases/month), the median duration of hospital stays was longer (8 d (CI95: 7–8 d) vs. 9 d (CI95: 8–10 d) P=0,02)), the mean number of antibiotics per case increased (2,1 (CI95: 2,0–2,2) vs. 2,5 (CI95: 2,3–2,7); P=0,003)) and a substantial reduction of viral respiratory and gastrointestinal infections per case was seen (0,24 vs. 0,13; P<0,001). Notably, there was no detection of respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and norovirus, between May 2020 and March 2021. Based on need of intensive care measures and further parameters we conclude that severe (bacterial) infections were not significantly reduced by NPIs.
Conclusions Introduction of NPIs in the general population during the COVID-pandemic substantially reduced viral respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in immunocompromised patients, while severe (bacterial) infections were not prevented.
Bibliographical data
Translated title of the contribution | Einfluss von COVID-19-bezogenen Restriktionen auf Infektionen von Kindern mit Krebs oder nach SZT: Eine monozentrische, retrospektive Studie |
---|---|
Original language | English |
ISSN | 0300-8630 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 05.2023 |
Comment Deanary
Thieme. All rights reserved.