A hidden burden of disease in a specific group: Evaluation of COVID-19 seroconversion rates in pediatric patients with leukemia

Background: SARS-CoV-2, a respiratory viral disease, is thought to have a more severe course in patients with malignancy and low immune systems.

Methods: This prospective single-center study was conducted at the University of Health Sciences Dr Behçet Uz Children's Hospital from September 22 to December 31, 2021. Asymptomatic COVID-19 transmission rates were assessed using SARS-CoV-2 serology in patients with leukemia who had no history of COVID-19 infection.

Results: Among the 54 patients, 19 (35.2%) were females and 35 (64.8%) were males. The median age was 5.5 years (min 6 months, max 17 years). Forty-nine (90.5%) of the leukemia patients had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, while 5 (9.5%) had acute myeloid leukemia. Five of the 54 patients had a history of COVID-19 or contact with a positive person. SARS-CoV-2 IgG positivity was detected in 18 (36.7%) of 49 patients with no history of COVID-19 infection.

Discussion: Leukemia patients have a high seroconversion for SARS-CoV-2 without showing any symptoms supporting the asymptomatic course of COVID-19 infection in this risk group.

Conclusion: As a result, patients with leukemia may have a high rate of COVID-19 seroconversion without showing symptoms.