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Published on: March 22, 2012

Fatal pulmonary hemorrhage associated with micrococcal infection in two children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Jeanette H Payne1, Jennifer C Welch, Ajay J Vora

  • 1Department of Hematology, Sheffield Children's Hospital, United Kingdom.

Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
|December 10, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Pulmonary hemorrhage is a rare but fatal complication in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Micrococcus infection may predispose these immunocompromised patients to this severe bleeding event.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pulmonary hemorrhage is a rare cause of death in acute leukemia patients.
  • Acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment can increase susceptibility to infections.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric cases of fatal pulmonary hemorrhage were observed within two months.
  • Both patients had acute lymphoblastic leukemia and received consolidation treatment.
  • Opportunistic Micrococcus organisms were identified in both cases.

Findings:

  • Micrococci, previously considered non-pathogenic, are increasingly linked to morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Micrococcal infection is proposed as a predisposing factor for pulmonary hemorrhage in thrombocytopenic leukemia patients.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential pathogenicity of Micrococcus in immunocompromised hosts.
  • Suggests considering micrococcal infections in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary hemorrhage in leukemia patients.
  • Emphasizes the need for vigilance regarding opportunistic infections during leukemia treatment.

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