COVID-19 Infection in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Receiving Maintenance Therapy: Don’t Discount the Risk
Abstract
Background: Unlike other pediatric cancers, acute lymphoblastic leukemia
(ALL) treatment includes a prolonged maintenance phase during which
children typically resume regular activities. As COVID-19 transmission
persists despite the end of the public health emergency declaration,
physicians need data regarding the impact of COVID-19 in this population
to guide families in managing risk. Procedure: The Pediatric Oncology
COVID-19 Case Report (POCC) collected de-identified clinical and
sociodemographic data on children with cancer and COVID-19. This subset
analysis compares 481 children (≤21yo at COVID-19 infection) with ALL in
maintenance (ALL-MTN) to other children with cancer and COVID-19
(n=1,190). Results: Children in ALL-MTN had fewer hospitalizations,
(23% vs 29%, p=0.01), intensive care unit admissions (ICU: 3% vs 5%,
p=0.01), and were less likely to die (0% vs 2%, p=<0.01).
However, they more often had cancer therapy changed (50% vs 33%,
p=<0.01). Lower odds of hospitalization and ICU admission
persisted in multivariable analyses adjusting for age, race/ethnicity,
insurance, ANC, and comorbidities. There were independent associations
among children in ALL-MTN with sociodemographic factors (Hispanic
ethnicity, public insurance) and clinical characteristics (comorbid
conditions, neutropenia) and both hospitalization and ICU admission.
Vaccination decreased odds of hospitalization. Conclusions: Children in
ALL-MTN continue to have significant COVID-19 risks, with less
hospitalization and ICU admission but more therapy changes than other
children with cancer. These risks should be addressed when discussing
participation in activities (school, camp, sports, etc.), prevention
(COVID-19 vaccination) and mitigation (masking) strategies. The high
level of therapy modifications could have long-term consequences and
should continue to be followed.