Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Hematologic Malignancies Hospitalized With Respiratory Viral Infections

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Respiratory viral infections significantly increase morbidity and mortality in patients with hematologic malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplants.
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The study analyzed 385 hospitalizations, with 42% due to SARS-CoV-2, revealing similar outcomes across different viral pathogens.
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The primary outcome of death or discharge to hospice occurred in 14% of encounters, showing no significant difference across pathogens.
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SARS-CoV-2 infections had higher lung edema scores compared to other viral infections, indicating more severe respiratory involvement.
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Differences in care processes included variations in antibiotic and corticosteroid use among patients infected with different viruses.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases

by Zulfiqar A Lokhandwala, Brenna Park-Egan, Ravneet Waraich, Colleen A McEvoy, Andrew P Michelson, Alice F Bewley, Lynne Strasfeld, Rachel Cook, Brandon Hayes-Lattin, Catherine L Hough, Patrick G Lyons
December 24, 2025

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