Rhinovirus Infection Associated Cytopenia During Maintenance Phase in
Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Abstract
Respiratory infections are a common cause of cytopenia in
pediatric cancer patients undergoing treatment, with rhinovirus being
the most frequent culprit. We aimed to assess the impact of rhinovirus
infections during low-intensity chemotherapy maintenance in children
with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Clinical characteristics and
outcomes of patients infected with rhinovirus between 2011-2021 were
analyzed. Of the 207 patients on maintenance, 22% presented rhinovirus
infection, with 50% experiencing associated cytopenia leading to
treatment interruptions in 37%. No increase in relapses or mortality
was observed. These findings suggest that rhinovirus
infections can cause bone marrow toxicity during maintenance phase of
ALL. Thus, the screening for rhinovirus infection should be considered
as part of the investigation in cases of unexpected pancytopenia.
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