Screening for SARS-COV-2 infection in pediatric oncology patients during
the epidemic peak in Italy
- Simone Cesaro
, - Francesca Compagno,
- Daniele Zama,
- Linda Meneghello,
- Nagua Giurici,
- Elena Soncini ,
- Daniela Onofrillo,
- Federico Mercolini,
- Rosamaria Mura,
- Katia Perruccio,
- Raffaela De Santis,
- Antonella Colombini,
- Angelica Barone,
- Valentina Baretta,
- Mariagrazia Petris
Simone Cesaro
Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona
Corresponding Author:simone.cesaro@aovr.veneto.it
Author ProfileFrancesca Compagno
Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo
Author ProfileDaniele Zama
Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Oncology and Haematology Unit "Lalla Serà gnoli", Sant' Orsola Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna
Author ProfileNagua Giurici
Institute for Maternal and Child Health Care IRCCS Burlo Garofolo
Author ProfileRosamaria Mura
Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico, Cagliari, Italy
Author ProfileKatia Perruccio
Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Section
Author ProfileAntonella Colombini
MBBM Foundation, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
Author ProfileAngelica Barone
Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Parma,
Author ProfileValentina Baretta
Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Mother and Child, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona
Author ProfileAbstract
SARS-COV-2 infection can be asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. The
effect of chemotherapy on an asymptomatic infected patient is unknown.
Three hundred-thirty-four and 56 NFS were performed as screening for
SARS-CoV-2 infection in 247 and 34 pediatric patients undergoing
chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation, respectively. NFS was
positive in 10 patients. All positive patients withdrew from
chemotherapy. Nine patients became negative. One patient is still
positive after 38 days.The identification of asymptomatic SARS-COV-2
infection is important to reduce the hospital spread of infection.
Further studies are needed to define the least risky management of
chemotherapy in asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 patients.
