Study Procedures:
A written signed and dated informed consent and assent were obtained
from each caregiver and patient if applicable before inclusion in the
study. Patient clinical report forms included demographic data, full
medical history, concurrent medications and epidemiological data
(history of contact to a COVID-19 case, history of travel), as well as
the underlying oncological disorders and cause of admission. In
addition, physical examination, vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate
and temperature) and blood oxygen saturation were assessed and recorded.
Baseline Laboratory investigations included complete blood count (CBC)
using Sysmex XT-1800i (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan), examination of Leishman
stained smears for differential white blood cell (WBC) count, liver
(alanine amino transferase (ALT), total and direct bilirubin) and kidney
function tests (serum creatinine), CRP using Cobas Integra 800 (Roche
Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany), serum ferritin using Immulite 1000
Analyzer, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Marburg, Germany), lactate
dehydrogenase (LDH) and coagulation test (D-dimer, prothrombin time and
INR). COVID-19 was confirmed by SARS-CoV-2 reverse Transcription
Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test by nasopharyngeal (NP) swab.
Chest X-ray and/or computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest was
performed.
During admission, whenever unexplained fever and/or respiratory symptoms
developed or COVID-19 was suspected, chemotherapy during admission was
revised and individualized decisions were taken, NP swab (in patients
with platelet count at least 30x109/L) was repeated,
and chest X-ray and/or CT chest were performed. In addition, CBC with
differential counts, CRP and serum ferritin level, coagulation test and
routine bacteriological study, blood culture and other
symptoms/signs-based cultures were performed.
On discharge, a thorough physical examination was performed, date of
discharge, period of admission and the outcome were recorded.