ASH 2021 | Predicting outcomes for patients with leukemia and MDS after COVID-19 infection

Risk factors for COVID-19 infection and mortality in patients with hematologic malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are currently not well defined. Pinkal Desai, MD, MPH, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, identifies groups of patients who are more likely to experience severe COVID-19 infection. Data ASH Research Collaborative (RC) COVID-19 Registry for Hematology were analyzed, where the characteristics and outcomes of 257 patients were collected. Out of the cohort, 46% and 44% of patients were in remission and active disease respectively, with the rest in an unknown status. 52% of the patients studied were diagnosed with AML, 32% with ALL, and 16% with MDS. The status and type of the hematologic malignancy influenced COVID-19 severity, where patients with active disease and neutropenia were at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Mortality rates were additionally higher in patients with neutropenia, as well as in older, male patients. Hospitalized patients with an estimated pre-COVID-19 prognosis of fewer than 6 months, or were currently in intensive care also experienced an increased risk of mortality from COVID-19. This press briefing was recorded at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Atlanta, GA.