Covid-19 in pediatric hematology-oncology and stem cell transplant patients –The spectrum of illness, complications and comparison of first two waves

INTRODUCTION: Indian subcontinent witnessed first wave of COVID-19 around March 2020 and second wave in April 2021. The mutant delta variant was ≈2.5 times more transmissible and led to the severe second wave. We compared the impact of two waves on pediatric hematology and oncology patients at our tertiary care centre that was at heart of managing COVID-19. METHODS: Children between 0 and 18 years, who were treated for a haematological illness, malignancy or stem cell transplant with confirmed COVID-19 infection or who developed multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children were included. RESULTS: A total of 48 (22-first, 26-second wave) children were evaluated. Despite better understanding of disease and standardised management algorithms, we found a trend towards younger age, increased requirements of oxygen, severe pneumonia and other post-covid complications in admitted patients during the second wave. We observed early RTPCR negativity in second wave. Invasive aspergillosis, disseminated candidiasis, reactivation of tuberculosis, HLH and MISC were the main complications. No child died of COVID-19. CONCLUSION: The second wave hit pediatric hematology and oncology patients harder than the first wave.COVID-19 infection in these patients may lead to significant morbidity and complications that interfere with treatment of their primary illnesses. They need close monitoring for development of life threatening infections. Early recognition and prompt therapy can optimise outcomes.