ABSTRACT
Background. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly impacted cancer patients with some reported mortality as high as 25%. The Immunodeficiency Scoring Index (ISI) was developed as a prognostic tool in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) recipients with respiratory syncytial virus but also for other respiratory viruses to predict severe infections and mortality. The purpose of our study was to correlate the ISI in HCT recipients with COVID-19 and associated complications such as hospitalization, supplemental oxygen use, and mortality. Methods. We performed a cohort study of HCT recipients of all ages with COVID-19 between March 2020 and October 2021. We included only patients who were diagnosed by a PCR-based assay. We excluded patients for whom an ISI score, as previously described, could not be calculated. Outcomes of interest included 60-day mortality, hospital and ICU admission due to COVID-19, and supplemental oxygen requirements. A univariate analysis using Fischer exact testing for nominal variables was performed. Results. Out of the 219 HCT with COVID-19, 101 were excluded due to alternative methods of diagnosis (13), lack of laboratory values needed to calculate an ISI at time of COVID-19 diagnosis (79), or COVID-19 diagnosed prior to transplant (9). Out of the remaining 118 patients, the median age was 60 years (range 6-85), most were male (56%), Caucasian (57%), and had no smoking history (64%). Most patients had an alloHCT (66%) with matched related donor [MRD] (25%), or matched unrelated donor [MUD] (21%) (Table 1). Median time from transplant to COVID-19 was 615 days (range 2-5692), median ISI was 3 (range 0-11), and 92% of patients were unvaccinated prior to COVID-19 (Table 1). On univariate analysis, an ISI of moderate to high (score >=3) was associated with COVID-19 related hospitalization [p=0.0147] and an ISI >= 4 was associated with 60-day all-cause (p=0.045) and COVID-19-related (p-0.019) mortality (Table 2). Conclusion. An ISI of 4 or greater was a prognostic marker for worse outcomes such as COVID-related and all-cause mortality in HCT recipients. Whether an aggressive and prompt management of high-risk patients with COVID-19 may impact these outcomes needs to be determined in future studies. (Table Presented).
ABSTRACT
Background. SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant was first identified in November 2021 in South Africa and was notable for its increased transmissibility and rapid spread world wide. In the United States, this variant led to a surge inCOVID-19 cases by December 2021. As a result, we experienced a steep rise in cases among patients and employees at our institution starting December 22nd, 2021. Therefore, we compared the incidence and characteristics of hospital-onset COVID-19 (HO-COVID-19) in our cancer patients prior to and during the surge of the Omicron variant. Methods. We identified HO-COVID-19, as per the CDC definition, from our infection control surveillance database, and additional contact tracing information was reviewed to determine the possible sources of HO-COVID-19. Whole-genome sequencing studies were conducted randomly on nasopharyngeal swabs of patients and employees who had COVID-19 during the study period. Results. Twenty-six HO-COVID-19 infections were identified from the beginning of the pandemic (February 2020) through February 2022 (Table 1). Only 17 cases occurred over 22 months from the beginning of the pandemic through early December 2021 (Figure 1). These HO-COVID-19 occurred during the 3 COVID-19 surges that were epidemiologically attributed to the variants seen prior to Omicron. Among these 17 patients, 12 (70%) were symptomatic, 9 (53%) had a link to an infected employee, 7 (41%) died during their hospitalization (3 of the deaths were attributable to COVID-19), and 10 (59%) recovered and were discharged. Over 6 weeks (from December 22nd, 2021, through February 1st, 2022), 9 HO-COVID-19 were discovered during the Omicron variant surge (Figure 1). Six (67%) of these patients were symptomatic, 8 (89%) had a link to an infected employee, 2 (22%) died (1 death was attributed to COVID-19 ), and 7 (78%) recovered and were discharged. Conclusion. The Omicron variant surge led to marked increases in HO-COVID-19 despite the continuous adoption of enhanced infection control practices, testing on admission, and daily symptoms screening of patients and employees.
ABSTRACT
Background. Robust infection control (IC) measures were deployed across healthcare institutions at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE), enhanced contact precautions, and emphasis on hand hygiene. The impact of these IC measures on the rates of hospitalacquired infections (HAIs), such as multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), device-related infections (DRIs), Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), and respiratory viral infections (RVIs) is not known. Here, we aim to evaluate the effect of the enhanced IC practices on the occurrence of various HAIs in a comprehensive cancer center. Methods. We analyzed the monthly HAIs rates from September 2017 through March 2022, including data 42 months pre-pandemic (September 2016-February 2020) and 24 months during the pandemic (March 2020-August 2021). Reported HAIs were calculated using denominators of patient days for CDI and MDROs, per 1,000 admissions for RVIs, and catheter days for DRIs. The incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated for all HAIs. Results. When comparing pre-pandemic to the pandemic period, a significant increase in the overall incidence rate (IR) of MDROs from 0.56 to 0.67 per 1,000 patient days with an IRR of 1.19 (95% CI 1.02-1.39), a decrease in the IR of CLABSIs and a stable IR of CAUTIs and VAEs were observed (Table 1). A significant decrease was observed in the IR of CDI (IRR 0.65 (95% CI 0.55-0.78)). The total IR of hospital-acquired RVIs per 1,000 admissions (5.24 to 1.82;IRR 0.36;95% CI 0.30-0.44) decreased, as did each respiratory virus (Respiratory Syncytial Virus (0.51 to 0.15;IRR 0.30), Influenza (0.50 to 0.24;IRR 0.50), Parainfluenza (1.21- to 0.34;IRR 0.28), Rhinovirus (1.91 to 0.5;IRR 0.26), and Human Metapneumovirus (0.19 to 0.05;IRR 0.24) during their respective respiratory viral seasons (Figure 1). (Table Presented) Conclusion. Implementing strict IC measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cancer hospital led to a significant decrease in many HAIs and a reduction in nosocomial RVIs. However, whether these enhanced measures, such as masking at all times as part of patient care, are needed during the upcoming respiratory viral seasons is not known.
ABSTRACT
SESSION TITLE: Long COVID: It Can Take Your Breath Away SESSION TYPE: Original Investigations PRESENTED ON: 10/16/2022 10:30 am - 11:30 am PURPOSE: Survivors of COVID-19 hospitaliaztion may be at high risk for interstitial lung disease (ILD). The incidence and natural history of post-COVID ILD may vary in cancer and non-cancer patients, particularly if survival is lower in cancer patients. We sought to determine the incidence of ILD at 3 and 6 months after hospital discharge in cancer and non-cancer patients METHODS: We analyzed a prospective cohort of patients discharged after COVID-19 hospitalization between March 2020 and March 2021. Cancer patients were referred to post-COVID clinics 3 months after discharge, while non-cancer patients self-referred to post-COVID clinics at a tertiary referral center. We classified patients into 4 groups: Group 1, asymptomatic without ILD;Group 2, symptomatic without ILD;Group 3, ILD with spontaneous improvement by 6 months;Group 4, persistent ILD at 6 months. Group 1 patients were not seen after initial visits, while all others returned at 6 and 12 months after discharge. We hypothesized that initial COVID-19 severity, measured by the Radiologic Severity Index (RSI) on admission CT, would be associated with irreversible ILD. RSI measures radiologic severity by measuring percentage of involvement (normal - 0, <25% involvement-1, 25-50% involvement-2, 50-75% involvement-3, >75% involvement–4) and multiplying by a score based on the predominant pattern of infiltrate (normal-1, ground glass-2, consolidation-3) in six zones (left, right;upper, middle, lower) to yield a score between 0-72. We used logistic regression to measure whether admission CT RSI was associated with ILD at 3 months. RESULTS: 609 cancer patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 during the study period, of whom 85 (14%) died in-hospital, and 31 (5%) were sent home to hospice. A further 63 (10%) patients died before post-COVID evaluation. Similar data were not available for non-cancer patients due to self-referral. 98 cancer patients and 75 non-cancer patients were seen in post-COVID clinics. Among cancer patients, 20 were Group 1 (20%);8, Group 2 (8%);42, Group 3 (43%);24, Group 4 (25%);5 (5%) lacked post-COVID imaging. ILD was seen in 68% of patients at 3 months, but only in 25% at 6 months. 6% of all hospitalized cancer patients developed ILD. Among non-cancer patients: Group 1, 2 patients (3%);Group 2, 3 patients (4%);Group 3, 26 patients (35%);Group 4, 14 patients (19%);30 (40%) had no post-COVID imaging. Higher RSI at COVID admission associated with ILD at 3 months in non-cancer patients (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.07, p=0.054) but not cancer patients (OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.4-4.5). CONCLUSIONS: Initial COVID-19 severity is associated with ILD 3 months after discharge in non-cancer patients but not cancer patients. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: ILD is common in survivors of COVID-19 hospitalization, particularly in non-cancer patients hospitalized for severe infection. These data may guide patient selection for referral to post-COVID clinics. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Roberto Adachi No relevant relationships by Diwakar Balachandran No relevant relationships by Lara Bashoura No relevant relationships by Christopher Bertini No relevant relationships by Kodwo Dickson Owner/Founder relationship with Pulmotect, Inc Please note: 2010-present by Scott Evans, value=Royalty No relevant relationships by Saadia Faiz no disclosure on file for Bruno Granwehr;no disclosure submitted for Shannon Holloway;No relevant relationships by Maryam Kaous no disclosure on file for Fareed Khawaja;No relevant relationships by Lyndon Lee No relevant relationships by Joanna Manzano No relevant relationships by Isabel Mira-Avendano No relevant relationships by Alyssa Mohammed No relevant relationships by Mayoora Muthu No relevant relationships by Sungryong Noh Research relationship with United Therapeutics;PhaseBio Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Bela Patel, value=Grant/Research No relevant relationships by Vickie Shannon onsultant relationship with Psioxus Therapeutics Please note: 3/1/20-7/1/20 by Ajay Sheshadri, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Enanta Pharmaceuticals Please note: 01/01/21-ongoing by Ajay Sheshadri, value=Consulting fee No relevant relationships by Hui Song
ABSTRACT
Robust infection control (IC) measures were deployed across healthcare institutions at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE), enhanced contact precautions, and emphasis on hand hygiene. The impact of these IC measures on the rates of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), such as multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), device- related infections (DRIs), Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), and respiratory viral infections (RVIs) is not known. Here, we evaluated the effect of the enhanced IC practices on the occurrence of HAIs in a comprehensive cancer center. We analyzed the monthly HAIs rates from September 2017 through March 2022, including data 42 months pre-pandemic and 24 months during the pandemic. The incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated for all HAIs. When comparing pre-pandemic to the pandemic period, a significant increase in the overall incidence rate (IR) of MDROs from 0.56 to 0.67 per 1,000 patient days with an IRR of 1.19 (95% CI 1.02- 1.39), a decrease in the IR of CLABSIs and a stable IR of CAUTIs and VAEs were observed. A significant decrease was observed in the IR of CDI (IRR 0.65 (95% CI 0.55-0.78)). The total IR of hospitalacquired RVIs per 1,000 admissions (5.24 to 1.82;IRR 0.36;95% CI 0.30-0.44) decreased. Implementing strict IC measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cancer hospital led to a significant decrease in many HAIs and a reduction in nosocomial RVIs. However, whether these enhanced measures are needed during the upcoming respiratory viral seasons is not known.
ABSTRACT
SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant was first identified in November 2021 and was notable for its transmissibility and rapid spread worldwide. Here, we compared the incidence and characteristics of hospital-onset COVID-19 (HO-COVID-19) in our cancer patients prior to and during the surge of the Omicron variant. Following CDC definitions, we identified HO-COVID-19 from our infection control surveillance database. Whole-genome sequencing studies were conducted randomly on positive nasopharyngeal swabs during the study period. Twenty-six HO-COVID-19 infections were identified from February 2020 through February 2022. Only 17 cases occurred over 22 months from the beginning of the pandemic through early December 2021. These HO-COVID-19 occurred during the 3 COVID-19 surges that were epidemiologically attributed to the variants seen prior to Omicron. Among these 17 patients, 12 (70%) were symptomatic, 9 (53%) had a link to an infected employee, 7 (41%) died during their hospitalization (3 deaths were attributable to COVID-19), and 10 (59%) recovered and were discharged. From December 22nd, 2021, through February 1st, 2022, 9 HO-COVID-19 were discovered during the Omicron variant surge. Six (67%) of these patients were symptomatic, 8 (89%) had a link to an infected employee, 2 (22%) died (1 death was attributed to COVID-19), and 7 (78%) recovered and were discharged. The Omicron variant surge led to marked increases in HO-COVID- 19 despite the continuous adoption of enhanced infection control practices, testing on admission, and daily symptoms screening of patients and employees.
ABSTRACT
Background. Given the limited collaborative international studies that evaluated COVID-19 in patients with cancer in comparison to patients without cancer, we aimed to determine the independent risk factors associated with increased 30-day mortality and the impact of novel treatment modalities in a large group of cancer and non-cancer patients with COVID-19 from multiple countries. Methods. We retrospectively collected de-identified data on cancer and non-cancer patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between January and November 2020, at 16 centers in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. A logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of all-cause mortality within 30 days after COVID-19 diagnosis. Results. Of the total 4015 COVID-19 confirmed patients entered, we analyzed 3966 patients, 1115 cancer and 2851 non-cancer patients. Cancer patients were older than non-cancer patients (median age, 61 vs 50 years;p< 0.0001);more likely to be pancytopenic , had pulmonary disorders, hypertension, diabetes mellitus. In addition, they were more likely to present with higher inflammatory biomarkers (D-dimer, ferritin and procalcitonin), but were less likely to present with clinical symptoms. By multivariable logistic regression analysis, cancer was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality (OR 1.46;95% CI 1.03 to 2.07;p=0.035). Older age (≥65 years) was the strongest predictor of 30-day mortality in all patients (OR 4.55;95% CI 3.34 to 6.20;p< 0.0001). Remdesivir was the only therapeutic agent independently associated with decreased 30-day mortality (OR 0.58;CI 0.39-0.88;p=0.009). Among patients on lowflow oxygen at admission, patients who received remdesivir had a lower 30-day mortality rate than those who were on high flow oxygen (5.9% vs 17.6%;p=0.03). Patients transfused with convalescent plasma within 1 day of diagnosis had a lower 30-day mortality rate than those transfused later (1% vs 7%, p=0.04). Conclusion. Cancer is an independent risk factor for increased 30-day all-cause mortality from COVID-19. Remdesivir, particularly in patients receiving low-flow oxygen, can reduce 30-day all-cause mortality, as well as convalescent plasma given early after COVID-19 diagnosis.
ABSTRACT
Background. An increasing number of observational studies have reported the persistence of symptoms following recovery from acute COVID-19 disease. The long-term consequences of COVID-19 are not fully understood and there is no clear consensus on the definition of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). The reported prevalence of PASC widely varies from 10% up to 87%. The purpose of this study is to assess PASC in cancer patients following acute COVID-19 recovery. Methods. We assessed cancer patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center who were diagnosed with COVID-19 disease between March 1, 2020 and Sept 1, 2020. Using patient questionnaires and medical chart reviews we followed these patients from March 2020 till May 2021. Patient questionnaires were sent out remotely daily for 14 days after COVID-19 diagnosis then weekly for 3 months, and then monthly thereafter. Chart reviews were conducted for each patient hospital re-admission and emergency department visit. These admissions were classified as either COVID-19 related or non-related. The persistence or emergence of new COVID19-related symptoms were captured at each COVID-19 related admission. Results. We included 312 cancer patients with a median age of 57 years (18-86). The majority of patients had solid tumors (75%). Of the 312 patients, 188 (60%) reported long COVID-19 symptoms with a median duration of 7 months and up to 14 months after COVID-19 diagnosis. The most common symptoms reported included fatigue (82%), sleep disturbances (78%), myalgias (67%) and gastrointestinal symptoms (61%), followed by headache, altered smell or taste, dyspnea (47%) and cough (46%). A higher number of females reported a persistence of symptoms compared to males (63% vs 37%;p=0.036). Cancer type, neutropenia, lymphocytopenia, and hospital admission during acute COVID-19 disease were comparable in both groups and did not seem to contribute to a higher number of long-COVID-19 patients in our study group. Conclusion. Long-COVID occurs in 60% of cancer patients and may persist up to 14 months after acute illness. The most common symptoms are fatigue, sleep disturbance, myalgia and gastro-intestinal symptoms.