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.