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Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection in patients with hematologic malignancy
Catherine Liu1, Brian S Schwartz, Snigdha Vallabhaneni
1University of California, San Francisco, Division of Infectious Diseases, California 94143-0654, USA. catherine.liu@ucsf.edu
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|December 3, 2010
Summary
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection poses serious risks for patients with hematologic malignancy, especially those with lower respiratory tract infection. Early diagnosis and antiviral therapy are crucial for preventing severe outcomes and nosocomial spread.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Patients with hematologic malignancy are at increased risk for severe outcomes from novel respiratory infections.
- The 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus presented a significant threat during its circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with hematologic malignancy and pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection.
- To identify risk factors and complications associated with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in this vulnerable patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of patients with hematologic malignancy and pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection.
- Data collection included clinical presentation, infection severity (upper vs. lower respiratory tract), hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, complications, and mortality.
- Analysis of nosocomial transmission and outcomes in affected patients.
Main Results:
- Out of 27 patients, 17 (63%) had upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and 10 (37%) had lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI).
- Common symptoms included cough (85%) and fever (70%). LRTI patients had higher rates of hospitalization (100%) and ICU admission (50%).
- Complications observed were severe, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumomediastinum, myocarditis, and development of oseltamivir-resistant virus. Mortality was 11% (3/27), with 2 deaths among 3 nosocomial cases.
Conclusions:
- Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection can lead to severe and fatal outcomes in patients with hematologic malignancy, particularly those with LRTI.
- Rigorous infection control measures, prompt diagnosis of respiratory illness, and early initiation of antiviral therapy are essential to prevent nosocomial transmission and improve patient management.
- This highlights the need for vigilance and proactive strategies in managing novel respiratory pathogens in immunocompromised individuals.
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