COVID-19 in patients affected by red blood cell disorders, results from
the European registry ERN-EuroBloodNet
Abstract
Background Despite several publications covering patients from
multiple centers, no international registry covered all patients with
red blood cell diseases (RBCD) affected by COVID-19. The
ERN-EuroBloodNet’s registry provided real-time registration of
SARS-CoV-2 patients with RBCD, promoting timely disease-specific
knowledge sharing during the pandemic’s early stages.
Procedures The study evaluated patient distribution, the
infection across different RBBDs, and severity risk factors across
similar healthcare systems, using data collected from the
ERN-EuroBloodNet’s REDCap platform. Results From April 2020 to
April 2023, 681 infections were recorded among 663 patients, of which
373 had transfusion-dependent thalassemia or non-transfusion-dependent
thalassemia (TDT/NTDT), and 269 had sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD
patients had a higher incidence of COVID-19 than those with TDT/NTDT
(10.5 vs. 4.8 COVID/100 patients). Notably, 92% of the cases were mild,
with neither age nor the specific RBCD affecting severity. The number of
comorbidities, notably obesity and hypertension, that patients had prior
to infection was associated with more severe COVID-19. During the
infection, the presence of vaso-occlusive crises, acute chest syndrome,
kidney failure, and ground-glass opacities on chest tomography scans
were associated with a more severe clinical picture. The vaccination
rate (32%) mirrored that of the general population and showed a
protective effect against severe COVID-19. The observed mortality rate
was 0.7%, aligning with Europe’s general population.
Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection in SCD and TDT/NTDT patients
is mild and without higher mortality than the general population. The
ERN-Eurobloodnet’s registry collaborative structure exemplifies the
power of international cooperation in tackling rare diseases, especially
during health emergencies