50 COVID-19 positive patients in Department of Haematooncology, Faculty hospital Ostrava in 2020

Abstract

Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly contagious disease with significant mortality rate. Among the most endangered are hematological patients. We evaluate course of the disease, link between comorbidities and COVID-19 severity and seroconversion ability in 50 positive patients of our clinic.

We performed 1600 diagnostic PCR nasopharyngeal swabs during a period of 8 months. We introduced a group of preventive measures so as to protect our patients and personnel. In 50 COVID positive patients, we closely evaluate the course of the disease, the impact of underlying risk factors and main hematological diagnoses. We also evaluate the ability of seroconversion in 15 COVID-19 positive patients.

Crucial in reducing the spread of disease have shown to be strict barrier measures, especially in patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation. We did not notice any disease outbreak, and only one positive case during the peritransplant period in our facility. The most common comorbidities were arterial hypertension or other cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and renal impairment. Two-thirds of positive patients were on first line of treatment. Hypogammaglobulinemia did not prove as a risk factor of severe COVID course and we did not observe it to be an obstacle for seroconversion. 

Preventive measures are significant in reducing the spread of disease, especially in hematologic centers. In our single center experience we report mortality of 14%. Although we report a relatively small cohort and much remains yet to be clarified, our results can be even now translated to everyday use.