Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), often overlooked, is causing severe illness in blood cancer patients globally. A multinational registry study analyzed 130 hematological malignancy patients diagnosed with hMPV between January 2023 and December 2024.
The patient group, with a median age of 58.5, primarily had plasma cell neoplasms, lymphoma, and acute myeloid leukemia. The findings revealed that 64% required hospitalization, 19% needed intensive care, and the 30-day mortality rate was 8%. Nearly a quarter experienced secondary infections.
Outcomes for hMPV were comparable in severity to influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in this vulnerable group. However, hMPV patients received significantly fewer targeted treatments. Despite high ICU admission and mortality rates, 73% of hMPV patients relied solely on supportive care due to the lack of approved antiviral therapies or vaccines.
Chronic renal disease emerged as a key predictor of mortality in hMPV-infected hematology patients. The study authors emphasize the need for increased clinical awareness, improved diagnostics, and investment in hMPV-specific treatments to protect immunocompromised individuals.