COVID‐19 and thalassaemia: A position statement of the Thalassaemia International Federation

Farmakis, Dimitrios; Giakoumis, Anastasios; Cannon, Lily; Angastiniotis, Michael; Eleftheriou, Androulla

doi:10.1111/ejh.13476

Cited by 31 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…The presence of comorbidities associated with age, 3 , 4 , 38 as well as the known long-term complications inherent to hemoglobinopathies, may contribute to the increased mortality out of the pediatric age group bracket. 39 , 40 The clinical course of COVID-19 in pediatric patients has been favorable, but data on children and adolescents with chronic diseases are still scarce. 41 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hemoglobinopathy and pediatrics in the time of COVID-19

Vilela

Braga

Loggetto

2021

Hematology, Transfusion and Cell Therapy

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Introduction It is important to know if patients with hemoglobinopathy could be more susceptible to COVID-19. Objective Analyze SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric patients with hemoglobinopathy. Methods Using the online platforms LILACS, PUBMED and EMBASE, on 17- JUL-2020 a search was made for the terms COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 associated with “sickle cell”, “thalassemia” and “hemoglobinopathy”. Results There were 623 pediatric and adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) or beta thalassemia (BT) and COVID-19. Total mortality rate was 6.42%. No pediatric patient with BT has been described. So, our analysis focused on children and adolescents with SCD: there were 121 pediatric patients, one adolescent died, prophylactic anticoagulation was prescribed to six patients, 11.76% needed intensive care unit, blood transfusion was prescribed in 29.70%. Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) and acute chest syndrome (ACS) were the main clinical manifestations in SCD. Discussion Pediatric patients with SCD and COVID-19 have a low mortality rate when compared to adults, although is higher than the global pediatric population with COVID-19 (0−0.67%). The comorbidities associated with age and the long-term complications inherent to hemoglobinopathies may contribute to the increased mortality outside the pediatric age group. In SCD the clinical manifestations, both in children and adults, are VOC and ACS, and there was increase in blood requirement. Pediatric SCD patients with COVID-19 need more intensive care unit than the global pediatric population (3.30%). Conclusion Despite pediatric population with SCD needs more intensive care, the outcome after infection by COVID-19 is favorable.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hemoglobinopathy and pediatrics in the time of COVID-19

Vilela

Braga

Loggetto

2021

Hematology, Transfusion and Cell Therapy

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“…reported that the COVID-19 pandemic represents a significant challenge for haemoglobinopathy patients, their families and their attending physicians. They present a statement who summarizes the key challenges concerning the management of haemoglobinopathies, with particular focus on patients with either transfusion-dependent or non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia [ 10 ]. They illustrate that adaptation of thalassaemia care during the present and potential future similar pandemics requires on one hand the strengthening of existing and creation of new communication channels between healthcare professionals and patients and on the other the promotion of a modified patient pathway for access to care including visits to medical facilities [ 10 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the continuity of transfusion care for thallasemic patients: a case report

Bouhou¹,

Benajiba²,

Masrar³

2021

Pan Afr Med J

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The COVID-19 pandemic could have a major impact on the capacity of health systems to continue the delivery of essential health service. While health systems around the world are being challenged by increasing demand for care of COVID-19 patients, it is critical to maintain preventive and curative services, especially for the most vulnerable populations such people living with chronic conditions like thallasemics. In this context and since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 health crisis, the National Blood Transfusion Center of Morocco has ranked among its priorities the need to maintain transfusion management for chronic polytransfused patients, particularly those with thalassemia. We report in this paper, the case of a thallasemic patient whose transfusion management was disrupted by the restrictive measures introduced by the Moroccan authorities and for which the National Blood Center of Morocco provided effective support.

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“…Despite this, the clinical effects of sickle cell disease and alpha-thalassemia trait (or alpha-thalassemia disease) are not clear [ 22 ]. The effects of alpha-thalassemia on susceptibility to severe COVID-19 infection are unknown [ 23 ]. In addition, HbSC disease is milder than HbSS disease including lower rates of ACS [ 24 , 25 ] although HbSC patients may be at particular risk for fat embolism syndrome [ 26 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 Mortality in a Pediatric Patient with Hemoglobin SC Disease and Alpha-Thalassemia Trait

Motelow

Kahn

Wilson

2021

Case Reports in Critical Care

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As the pandemic continues to evolve, more cases of COVID-19 in pediatric patients are being detected. A 12-year-old boy with HbSC disease alpha-thalassemia trait presented to a pediatric emergency room with fever and weakness. His vital signs were notable for fever, tachypnea, and tachycardia. His physical exam was concerning for increased work of breathing. He tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by PCR although his hemoglobin level remained near his baseline. His chest radiograph showed a retrocardiac opacity concerning for evolving acute chest syndrome. He decompensated quickly requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and exchange transfusion. He received hydroxychloroquine, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and enoxaparin for DVT prophylaxis. Despite showing clinical signs of improvement, he became acutely hypoxemic and suffered a cardiac arrest. We believe this to be an unusual case of a pediatric patient with HbSC disease and COVID-19. We outline clearly the course of illness and treatments trialed, which can prove beneficial to providers facing similar challenges as this virus continues to strike areas around the world. Although children have significantly better outcomes than adults, providers must remain vigilant while treating any patient with a hemoglobinopathy in the setting of severe COVID-19.

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COVID‐19 and thalassaemia: A position statement of the Thalassaemia International Federation

Cited by 31 publications

References 17 publications

Hemoglobinopathy and pediatrics in the time of COVID-19

Hemoglobinopathy and pediatrics in the time of COVID-19

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the continuity of transfusion care for thallasemic patients: a case report

COVID-19 Mortality in a Pediatric Patient with Hemoglobin SC Disease and Alpha-Thalassemia Trait

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