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Published on: October 3, 2018
Necrotizing fasciitis in two patients with myelodysplastic syndrome treated with azacitidine
Shiue-Wei Lai1, Tzu-Chuan Huang, Ren-Hua Ye
1Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Azacitidine is a novel agent for treating myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). It has a relatively safe toxicity profile with very few reported skin toxicities. Patients with MDS were prone to get severe infections, especially via respiratory tract, urinary system, and bloodstream. However, necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a relatively rare event in patients with MDS, and it is hard to diagnose early. Here, we report two MDS cases that developed NF in lower extremities while receiving azacitidine treatment. One of them survives after emergent fasciotomy along with the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and intravenous immunoglobulin.
Insights
Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), a rare infection, can occur in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients treated with azacitidine. Early diagnosis and treatment, including surgery and antibiotics, are crucial for survival.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders.
- Azacitidine is a hypomethylating agent used to treat MDS.
- MDS patients are susceptible to severe infections, but necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is rare.
