COVID-19 in multiple myeloma patients: frequencies and risk factors for hospitalization, ventilatory support, intensive care admission and mortality –cooperative registry from the Grupo Brasileiro de Mieloma Multiplo (GBRAM)

Abstract

IntroductionThis study evaluated outcomes and risk factors for COVID-19 in 91 Brazilian multiple myeloma (MM) patients between April 2020 and January 2022. ResultsOf the 91 MM patients diagnosed with COVID-19, 64% had comorbidities and 66% required hospitalization due to COVID-19, with 44% needing ventilatory support and 37% intensive care. Age (OR 2.02; 95%CI 1.02 – 7.7) and hypertension OR 4.5; 95%CI 1.3 – 15.5) were independently associated with hospitalization and certain MM therapies (corticosteroids and monoclonal drugs) were associated with ventilatory support (OR 4.3; 95%CI 1.3 – 14 and OR 5.7; 95%CI 1.8 – 18, respectively), while corticosteroids and immunomodulatory drugs were linked to ICU admission (OR 5.1; 95% CI 1.4 – 18 and OR 3.4; 95%CI 1.1 – 10, respectively). The overall mortality rate was 30%, with the highest rate observed in the ICU (73%). Additionally, the ECOG performance status was linked to increased mortality (OR 11.5; 95%CI 1.9 – 69). The MM treatment was delayed in 63% of patients who recovered from COVID-19. ConclusionsThe findings highlight the need for preventing COVID-19 and prioritizing vaccination among MM patients, as they have high rates of severe outcomes in the event of COVID-19. It is also essential to monitor the potential clinical impacts of COVID-19 on MM patients in the long-term. Given the limited resources available in treating MM patients in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic, outcomes might be worse in this population.