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Sanmartin F, Magrini E, Rando E, Giacomo PD, Dusina A, Matteini E, Carbone A, Puma G, Leanza GM, Frondizi F, Innocenti I, Maiuro G, Liotti FM, Santangelo R, Laurenti L, Cingolani A. A 67-Year-Old Man with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) on Maintenance Therapy with Ibrutinib with Persistent SARS-CoV-2 Infection Unresponsive to Antiviral Treatments. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2024; 25:e941165. [PMID: 38943241 PMCID: PMC11332969 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.941165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 infection can persist in immunocompromised patients with hematological malignancies, despite antiviral treatment. This report is of a 67-year-old man with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), secondary hypogammaglobulinemia, and thrombocytopenia on maintenance therapy with ibrutinib, with persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection unresponsive to antiviral treatment, including remdesivir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid), and tixagevimab/cilgavimab (Evusheld). CASE REPORT The patient was admitted to our hospital 3 times. During his first hospitalization, he was treated with 5-day course of remdesivir and intravenous steroids; however, antigen and molecular nasopharyngeal swabs were persistently positive, and he was discharged home. Due to respiratory worsening, he was rehospitalized, and despite being treated initially with tixagevimab/cilgavimab, and subsequently with a remdesivir course of 5 days, SARS-CoV-2 tests remained persistently positive. During his third hospital stay, our patient was subjected to combined therapy with remdesivir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for 5 days, obtaining a significant reduction of viral load at both antigen and molecular testing. As an ultimate attempt to achieve a negative status before discharge, a 10-day course of combined remdesivir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was administered, with a temporary reduction of viral load, followed by a sudden increase immediately after the discontinuation of Paxlovid. Due to worsening hematological disease and bacterial over-infections, the patient gradually worsened until death. CONCLUSIONS This is an emblematic case of correlation between persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection and immunosuppression status in hematological hosts. In these patients, the viral load remains high, favoring the evolution of the virus, and the immunodeficiency makes it difficult to identify the appropriate therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Sanmartin
- Department of Safety and Bioethics – Infectious Diseases Section, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Magrini
- Department of Safety and Bioethics – Infectious Diseases Section, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Rando
- Department of Safety and Bioethics – Infectious Diseases Section, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Del Giacomo
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Sciences, Agostino Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alex Dusina
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Sciences, Agostino Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Matteini
- Department of Safety and Bioethics – Infectious Diseases Section, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Carbone
- Department of Safety and Bioethics – Infectious Diseases Section, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Puma
- Department of Safety and Bioethics – Infectious Diseases Section, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Maria Leanza
- Department of Safety and Bioethics – Infectious Diseases Section, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Frondizi
- Department of Safety and Bioethics – Infectious Diseases Section, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Idanna Innocenti
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy and Hematology, Agostino Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maiuro
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Sciences, Agostino Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Flora Marzia Liotti
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Sciences, Agostino Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosaria Santangelo
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Sciences, Agostino Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Laurenti
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy and Hematology, Agostino Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Cingolani
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Sciences, Agostino Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Ng HJ, Alata MK, Nguyen QT, Huynh Duc Vinh P, Tan JY, Wong CL. Managing and treating COVID-19 in patients with hematological malignancies: a narrative review and expert insights. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:119. [PMID: 38833206 PMCID: PMC11150206 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01381-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs) are at a significantly higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and experiencing severe outcomes compared to individuals without HMs. This heightened risk is influenced by various factors, including the underlying malignancy, immunosuppressive treatments, and patient-related factors. Notably, immunosuppressive regimens commonly used for HM treatment can lead to the depletion of B cells and T cells, which is associated with increased COVID-19-related complications and mortality in these patients. As the pandemic transitions into an endemic state, it remains crucial to acknowledge and address the ongoing risk for individuals with HMs. In this review, we aim to summarize the current evidence to enhance our understanding of the impact of HMs on COVID-19 risks and outcomes, identify particularly vulnerable individuals, and emphasize the need for specialized clinical attention and management. Furthermore, the impaired immune response to COVID-19 vaccination observed in these patients underscores the importance of implementing additional mitigation strategies. This may include targeted prophylaxis and treatment with antivirals and monoclonal antibodies as indicated. To provide practical guidance and considerations, we present two illustrative cases to highlight the real-life challenges faced by physicians caring for patients with HMs, emphasizing the need for individualized management based on disease severity, type, and the unique circumstances of each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Joo Ng
- Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Quang The Nguyen
- Stem Cell Transplantation Department, Blood Transfusion Hematology Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Phu Huynh Duc Vinh
- Stem Cell Transplantation Department, Blood Transfusion Hematology Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Jing Yuan Tan
- Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chieh Lee Wong
- Department of Haematology, Sunway Medical Centre, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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van der Zwet W, Klomp-Berens E, Demandt A, Dingemans J, van der Veer B, van Alphen L, Dirks J, Savelkoul P. Analysis of two sequential SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks on a haematology-oncology ward and the role of infection prevention. Infect Prev Pract 2024; 6:100335. [PMID: 38292209 PMCID: PMC10826166 DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2023.100335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Two SARS-CoV-2 nosocomial outbreaks occurred on the haematology ward of our hospital. Patients on the ward were at high risk for severe infection because of their immunocompromised status. Whole Genome Sequencing proved transmission of a particular SARS-CoV-2 variant in each outbreak. The first outbreak (20 patients/31 healthcare workers (HCW)) occurred in November 2020 and was caused by a variant belonging to lineage B.1.221. At that time, there were still uncertainties on mode of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and vaccines nor therapy were available. Despite HCW wearing II-R masks in all patient contacts and FFP-2 masks during aerosol generating procedures (AGP), the outbreak continued. Therefore, extra measures were introduced. Firstly, regular PCR-screening of asymptomatic patients and HCW; positive patients were isolated and positive HCW were excluded from work as a rule and they were only allowed to resume their work if a follow-up PCR CT-value was ≥30 and were asymptomatic or having only mild symptoms. Secondly, the use of FFP-2 masks was expanded to some long-lasting, close-contact, non-AGPs. After implementing these measures, the incidence of new cases declined gradually. Thirty-seven percent of patients died due to COVID-19. The second outbreak (10 patients/2 HCW) was caused by the highly transmissible omicron BA.1 variant and occurred in February 2022, where transmission occurred on shared rooms despite the extra infection control measures. It was controlled much faster, and the clinical impact was low as the majority of patients was vaccinated; no patients died and symptoms were relatively mild in both patients and HCW.
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Affiliation(s)
- W.C. van der Zwet
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases & Infection Prevention, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - E.A. Klomp-Berens
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases & Infection Prevention, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - A.M.P. Demandt
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J. Dingemans
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases & Infection Prevention, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - B.M.J.W. van der Veer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases & Infection Prevention, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - L.B. van Alphen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases & Infection Prevention, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J.A.M.C. Dirks
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases & Infection Prevention, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - P.H.M. Savelkoul
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases & Infection Prevention, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Shama, Mahmood A, Mehmood S, Zhang W. Pathological Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Associated with Hematological Abnormalities. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7161-7182. [PMID: 37754237 PMCID: PMC10528388 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45090453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic that has claimed the lives of 6.9 million people and infected over 765 million. It has become a major worldwide health problem and is also known to cause abnormalities in various systems, including the hematologic system. COVID-19 infection primarily affects the lower respiratory tract and can lead to a cascade of events, including a cytokine storm, intravascular thrombosis, and subsequent complications such as arterial and venous thromboses. COVID-19 can cause thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, and neutrophilia, which are associated with worse outcomes. Prophylactic anticoagulation is essential to prevent complications and death rates associated with the virus's effect on the coagulation system. It is crucial to recognize these complications early and promptly start therapeutic anticoagulation to improve patient outcomes. While rare, COVID-19-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) exhibits some similarities to DIC induced by sepsis. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, ferritin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) biomarkers often increase in serious COVID-19 cases and poor prognosis. Understanding the pathophysiology of the disease and identifying risk factors for adverse outcomes is critical for effective management of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shama
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China (A.M.)
| | - Asif Mahmood
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China (A.M.)
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Shahid Mehmood
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China;
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China (A.M.)
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Hus I, Szymczyk A, Mańko J, Drozd-Sokołowska J. COVID-19 in Adult Patients with Hematological Malignancies-Lessons Learned after Three Years of Pandemic. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040545. [PMID: 37106746 PMCID: PMC10136203 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly the most difficult health challenge of the 21st century with more than 600 million laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections and over 6.5 million deaths worldwide. The coronavirus pandemic contributed to rapid development of mRNA vaccines, which, along with new antiviral drugs, have been the subject of extensive research for many decades. Nevertheless, elderly, multi-morbid and immunocompromised patients continue to face a more severe clinical course and a higher risk of death from COVID-19, even now that the risk of COVID-19 in the general population is significantly reduced due to the introduction of global vaccination strategies. In this paper, we present the mechanisms of increased susceptibility to infectious complications and the evolution of the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients with hematological malignancies, taking into account the mutation of the virus and the introduction of vaccines and new antiviral drugs. We also present current recommendations for prophylactic and therapeutic management in patients with hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Hus
- Department of Hematology, National Medical Institute of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 137 Wołoska Str., 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Clinical Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 7 Chodźki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Szymczyk
- Department of Hematology, National Medical Institute of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 137 Wołoska Str., 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Clinical Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 7 Chodźki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Mańko
- Department of Hematology, National Medical Institute of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 137 Wołoska Str., 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Drozd-Sokołowska
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 1a Banacha Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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