Characteristics and Outcomes of Stem Cell Transplant Patients during the COVID-19 Era: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Mona Kamal, Massimo Baudo, Jacinth Joseph, Yimin Geng, Omnia Mohamed, Mohamed Rahouma, Uri Greenbaum

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to identify the outcomes of stem cell transplant (SCT) patients during the COVID-19 era. Pooled event rates (PER) were calculated, and meta-regression was performed. A random effects model was utilized. In total, 36 eligible studies were included out of 290. The PER of COVID-19-related deaths and COVID-19-related hospital admissions were 21.1% and 55.2%, respectively. The PER of the use of hydroxychloroquine was 53.27%, of the receipt of immunosuppression it was 39.4%, and of the use of antivirals, antibiotics, and steroids it was 71.61%, 37.94%, and 18.46%, respectively. The PER of the time elapsed until COVID-19 infection after SCT of more than 6 months was 85.3%. The PER of fever, respiratory symptoms, and gastrointestinal symptoms were 70.9, 76.1, and 19.3%, respectively. The PER of acute and chronic GvHD were 40.2% and 60.9%, respectively. SCT patients are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection and mortality. The use of dexamethasone improves the survival of hospitalized SCT patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 requiring supplemental oxygen or ventilation. The SCT patient group is a heterogeneous group with varying characteristics. The quality of reporting on these patients when infected with COVID-19 is not uniform and further prospective or registry studies are needed to better guide clinical care in this unique setting.

Original languageEnglish
Article number530
JournalHealthcare (Switzerland)
Volume12
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2024

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • cancer
  • meta-analysis
  • mortality
  • stem cell transplant

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Leadership and Management
  • Health Policy
  • Health Informatics
  • Health Information Management

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