Experience of haematological observatory ward during COVID-10 pandemic

Introduction. The SARS-CoV-2 infection (COronaVIrus Disease 2019, COVID-19) usually progresses uncomplicated in an acute respiratory form but causes frequent severe illness in oncohaematological patients.

Aim — analysis of the management and efficacy of medical aid at a haematology clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Patients. The clinic admitted 2,130 patients in April 20 — November 20, 2020, with 920 of them triaged into observatory wards. At the time of admission, 907 (98.5 %) patients were SARS-CoV-2 RNA-negative, with 13 hospitalised without nasopharyngeal swab tests. Patient nosology: 235 (25.5 %) lymphoma, 152 (16.5 %) multiple myeloma, 131 (14.2 %) acute leucaemia, 86 (9.3 %) haemophilia, 35 (4 %) Gaucher’s disease, 17 (1.8 %) Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, 16 (1.7 %) aplastic anaemia, 153 (16.6 %) various surgical diseases, 81 (8.8 %) other haematological diseases and 14 (1.6 %) were bone marrow donors.

Results. Among the 920 patients admitted to the observatory, 139 (15 %) were severe and 653 (71 %) had a moderate condition. Fever was reported in 124 (13.5  %) patients at admission. Chest computed tomography (CT) was performed in 809 patients, with recent lung inflammation detected in 121 (15 %) cases. Twenty four (2.6 %) patients were revealed SARS-CoV-2-positive, with 20 diagnoses PCR-verified and four — in chest CT. Ten patients were diagnosed positive in routine examination or at a specialty unit as fever aggravated. Thus, a two-staged SARS-CoV-2 screening with PCR and chest CT allowed an extra 2.6 % detection of COVID-19 cases despite negative tests at admission.

Conclusion. The observatory management has reduced the likelihood of nosocomial COVID-19 and ensured a continued supply of specialty medical aid.

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