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[Septicemia in children with malignant disease]

Y Hatae1, T Takeda, H Nakadate

  • 1Dept. of Pediatrics, National Sapporo Hospital, Hokkaido Cancer Center.

Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer & Chemotherapy
|October 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Childhood cancer patients with neutropenia (low neutrophil count) face a high risk of septicemia (blood infection). Lower granulocyte counts significantly increase the likelihood of infection and death in these vulnerable children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Severe infections are a leading cause of death in pediatric cancer patients.
  • Septicemia poses a significant threat, contributing to morbidity and mortality in this population.
  • Understanding risk factors is crucial for improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the incidence, causative organisms, and mortality of septicemia in children with malignancy.
  • To identify key risk factors, particularly neutrophil counts, associated with septicemia development and outcomes.
  • To evaluate differences in septicemia occurrence between hematologic and solid tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 1,468 childhood cancer patients treated between 1979 and 1988.
  • Data collection on septicemia episodes, including causative pathogens and patient characteristics.
  • Correlation of absolute neutrophil count (ANC) with septicemia incidence and mortality.

Main Results:

  • 34 septicemia episodes occurred; higher incidence and mortality in hematologic malignancies versus solid tumors.
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus epidermidis were the most common pathogens; Gram-negative bacteria predominated.
  • Neutropenia, especially ANC < 500/µL and granulocyte count < 100/µL, was strongly associated with septicemia and death.

Conclusions:

  • Neutropenia is a critical risk factor for septicemia in pediatric malignancy.
  • Close monitoring and management of neutropenic children with cancer are essential to reduce septicemia-related mortality.
  • Early detection and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are vital for improving survival rates.

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