The problem of infections in acute leukemias. Personal experience in diagnosis and treatment

This report is based on experience over the last 5 years in the diagnosis and treatment of infections in 200 acute leukemic patients hospitalized in the Institute of Haematology, University of Rome. The relevant clinical and laboratory findings are discussed in relation to the diagnosis of secondary infections. Most of the febrile episodes were associated with infection. The frequently rapid development of the infections in these patients requires empirical antibiotic treatment. The best results were obtained when the combinations carbenicillin-cephalothin-gentamicin (success rate of 65%), and carbenicillin-cephalothin-gentamicin-lyncomycin-methicillin (success rate of 62%), were used as empirical therapy.