How is immunosuppressive status affecting children and adults in SARS-CoV-2 infection? A systematic review. Issue 1 (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Minotti, Chiara; Tirelli, Francesca; Barbieri, Elisa; Giaquinto, Carlo; Donà, Daniele
• Is Part Of: Journal of infection. Volume 81:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: e61
• Page End: e66
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: SARS-CoV-2 -- Children -- Adults -- Immunosuppression -- Cancer -- Transplant; Infection -- Periodicals; Bacterial Infections -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2020.04.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-4453

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: SARS-CoV-2 infection has now a global resonance. Data on how COVID-19 is affecting immunocompromised patients are however few. With our study we aimed to systematically review the current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 cases in children and adults with immunosuppression, to evaluate outcomes in this special population. Methods: A systematic review of literature was carried out to identify relevant articles, searching the EMBASE, Medline, and Google Scholar databases. Studies reporting data on pre-defined outcomes and related to immunosuppressed adults and children with SARS-CoV-2 were included. Results: Sixteen relevant articles were identified with 110 immunosuppressed patients, mostly presenting cancer, along with transplantation and immunodeficiency. Cancer was more often associated with a more severe course, but not necessarily with a bad prognosis. Our data show that both children and adults with immunosuppression seem to have a favorable disease course, as compared to the general population. Conclusion: Immunosuppressed patients with COVID-19 seem to be few in relation to the overall figures, and to present a favorable outcome as compared to other comorbidities. This might be explained by a hypothetical protective role of a weaker immune response, determining a milder disease presentation and thus underdiagnosis. Nevertheless, surveillance on this special population should be encouraged.