Respiratory syncytial virus infection in patients with haematological diseases: a retrospective multicentre study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in patients with haematological diseases. It seeks to analyse the relevance of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of RSV infections. Methods: A multi-centre, retrospective study was conducted across University Hospitals in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Bonn, and the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf between Jan 2016 and Aug 2023. All haematological patients with diagnosed RSV infection were included. The study focused on the incidence of RSV, underlying conditions, comorbidities, coinfections and clinical outcomes such as hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality. Results: Of 166 patients, 89 (53.6%) had signs of pneumonia and 37 (22.3%) were admitted to ICU due to RSV infection, while 20 (54%) of those were mechanically ventilated with median duration of 11 days (1,33; IQR:18). Mean age was 60 years (range 14–88). Sixteen patients (9.6%) were treated as outpatients, while 52 (31.3%) were hospitalized due to RSV infection; the median hospital stay was 16 days (IQR 25.25, range 0–97). 79 (47.6%) of patients presented with leukopenia and 57 (34.3%) with neutropenia. In total, 22 patients (13.3%) died within 30 days and 29 (17.5%) died within 90 days. Highest mortality rates were seen in patients with aggressive lymphoma (23.5%) and acute leukaemia (18%). Conclusion: RSV significantly impacts patients with haematological diseases, leading to high rates of hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality. Preventive measures, such as vaccination, alongside early diagnosis and individualized management, are essential to reduce RSV-associated morbidity and mortality in this high-risk population.