Management of infections in patients with acute leukemia

Several recent studies have addressed the management of infectious problems in patients with acute leukemia. Although those studies have served to emphasize the fundamental management principles formulated and proven almost 30 years ago, they have also contributed important new insights. This article describes recent developments in the management of infectious illnesses in patients who are neutropenic due to leukemia or its treatment. The discussion will focus on the increasing armamentarium of antimicrobial drugs and adjunctive agents. These expanding therapeutic options must be viewed in the context of newly emerging resistant organisms and special problems, such as the increased use of indwelling venous catheters.