loading page

Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2, an epidemiologic assessment of pediatric oncology patients in the Bronx
  • Rachel Offenbacher,
  • Joshua Gorlick,
  • Daniel Weiser
Rachel Offenbacher
Children's Hospital at Montefiore

Corresponding Author:roffenba@montefiore.org

Author Profile
Joshua Gorlick
Children's Hospital at Montefiore
Author Profile
Daniel Weiser
Children's Hospital at Montefiore
Author Profile

Abstract

Children with cancer who develop fever in the setting of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia are treated empirically for bacteremia. Viral etiologies are most common and there remains no consensus about anticipatory guidance that should be provided to patients regarding community-acquired infections. Using COVID-19 positivity as a surrogate for a community acquired infectious exposure, we performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric oncology patients diagnosed with COVID-19 during the Omicron (B.1.1.529) surge at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. No patients in our cohort developed bacteremia, or serious respiratory illness. Future studies will aid in understanding the relationship between bacteremia and community acquired infections in order to provide evidence-based recommendations about environmental exposures and guide optimal care for our patients.