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Surviving the Double Threat: A Holistic Study on Clinical Manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 and Mortality among Patients with Cancer
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Mehdi Norouzi *   , Omid Salahi Ardekani , Mohammad Reza Mohammadi , Erfan Kordi , Roxana Tajdini , Zahra Aboughadareh Nasab , Parsa Ghafari , Mahya Arabi , Mohammad Sina Khanbabazade , Mina Naderisemiromi |
| Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. |
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Abstract: (402 Views) |
Abstract
Background and Aims: The appearance of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) gave rise to the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects the respiratory system, ranging from mild to severe symptoms. Cancer patients are at higher risk of severe outcomes and mortality rates due to compromised immune systems.This study aims to evaluate the clinical findings of cancer patients following infection with SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to address challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: The study enrolled a total of 158 individuals, all of whom had previously been diagnosed with various cancers and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with Real-time PCR. Demographic information of patients, characteristics of underlying diseases, type of cancer and clinical symptoms with geographical distribution of Iranian provinces by the Iran Viral Research Network were investigated.
Results: Among 158 patients, 62.65% were male and 37.34% were female. The majority were over 60 years old (55.69%). Leukemia was the predominant cancer (37.34%), followed by genital cancers and breast cancer (each at 13.51%). Respiratory symptoms were prominent, with shortness of breath (59.49%) and dry cough (41.77%) being the most common. Other symptoms such as runny nose (6.32%), sore throat (6.96%), and lethargy (41.77%) were common. Digestive symptoms like anorexia (25.31%) and nausea (10.75%) were also observed in a significant percentage of patients. In total, nine (5.6%) patients passed away during the study.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this study provides insights into the clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients, revealing a higher susceptibility to severe outcomes due to compromised immune systems. The majority of patients exhibited respiratory symptoms, with leukemia being the most prevalent cancer type. These findings underscore the importance of tailored approaches in managing COVID-19 in cancer patients. As the pandemic continues, it is imperative to implement strategies that mitigate the risk and optimize care for this vulnerable population. |
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| Keywords: Cancer, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Pandemic, Clinical symptoms |
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Full-Text [PDF 482 kb]
(178 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/06/4 | Accepted: 2024/12/29 | Published: 2023/06/21
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