Typhlitis complicating induction therapy in adult acute myeloid leukemia

In a retrospective analysis of 161 consecutive adult patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia undergoing induction therapy, including cytarabine, etoposide and anthracyclines, seven patients (4.3%) developed typhlitis. All presented severe neutropenia, fever, abdominal pain and tenderness within 16 days from starting chemotherapy (median 11 days; range 5-16). Three patients underwent surgery and survived, four were treated only with supportive therapy: two recovered and two died. In our experience early recognition of typhlitis and rapid recovery of the neutrophils are the most important determinants of the results of surgical and/or medical approaches. The management of typhlitis, a life-threatening condition, is controversial and depends on many factors characterizing each patient, which must be evaluated in collaboration between the surgeon and the hematologist.