Management of Hemoglobin Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease that has become a global public health concern after being first reported in China and has subsequently spread worldwide. It causes mild to severe respiratory illness with some flu-like symptoms. The causal virus behind this disease, SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), conceivably attacks the receptors of the respiratory system of the human body but has no strict evidence of attacking the blood cells yet. However, patients with hemoglobin disorders (e.g., sickle cell anemia, thalassemia) are vulnerable to this global health situation due to their clinical complications. Such patients are generally more prone to viral and bacterial infections, which can worsen their physical condition. Some of these patients present immunocompromised conditions, e.g., splenectomized or post-transplant patients. Therefore, they should follow some preventive steps such as shielding as well as the general guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic. Transfusion dependent patients require regular monitoring for iron overload, and iron chelation therapy may be stopped by the physician depending on the situation. This article reviews the management strategies and provides some crucial recommendations for people in the corner with hemoglobin disorders.

Development and validation of a clinical risk score to predict the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection from administrative data: A population-based cohort study from Italy

“…In addition, we confirmed that people with weakened immune systems from a medical condition or treatment are at a higher risk. Among these, those living with haemoglobin disorders [ 49 ], inflammatory bowel disease [ 50 ] and immune-rheumatological diseases [ 51 ] must be considered vulnerable groups for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mental health and cognitive function might have independent utility in understanding the burden of respiratory disease, since they may influence the risk of contracting the infection, at least in part by impairing innate or adaptive immunity [ 52 ] and diminishing the precautions taken to minimize risk.…”

Development and validation of a clinical risk score to predict the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection from administrative data: a population-based cohort study from Italy

“…In addition, we confirmed that people with weakened immune systems from a medical condition or treatment are at a higher risk. Among these, those living with haemoglobin disorders [42], inflammatory bowel disease [43] and immune-rheumatological diseases [44] must be considered vulnerable groups for Covid-19…”

The dynamic association between COVID-19 and chronic disorders: An updated insight into prevalence, mechanisms and therapeutic modalities

“…Even with the limited clinical evidence, it is noticeable that patients with pre-existing blood disorders are amongst those most vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and that those at risk of developing blood abnormalities may have a poorer prognosis of the COVID-19 disease. Hence, initial detection and close monitoring of haemoglobin levels in infected patients should be contemplated ( Chowdhury and Anwar, 2020 ).…”

“…With the continuing spread of COVID-19, individuals with haemoglobin disorders remain of the most vulnerable populations. To date, inadequate research is available to verify the link between these disorders and COVID-19; however, the haematology community continues to effectively minimize the risk of patients facing new emerging threats ( Chowdhury and Anwar, 2020 ). Sickle cell patients, for example, are often treated with hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea), a cytotoxic agent, having possible immune-compromising effects.…”