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Factors Associated to Invasive Fungal Infection in Hispanic Patients with Hematological Malignancies
Rafael de León-Borrás1, Esteban DelPilar-Morales1, Nicole Rivera-Pérez1
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Boletin De La Asociacion Medica De Puerto Rico
|June 5, 2018
Summary
Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are a major risk for patients with hematological malignancies. Steroid use significantly increases IFI odds, while antifungal exposure reduces them.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Mycology
Background:
- Fungal infections pose a significant threat to immunosuppressed patients, increasing morbidity and mortality.
- Patients with hematological malignancies are particularly vulnerable to invasive fungal infections (IFI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with invasive fungal infections in patients with hematological malignancies.
- To assess the impact of steroid use and antifungal exposure on IFI risk.
Main Methods:
- A non-concurrent prospective study evaluated 84 patients with hematological malignancies.
- Medical records were analyzed to compare patients with and without IFI.
- Statistical analysis adjusted for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and age.
Main Results:
- 70% of patients developed IFI, with Candida albicans being the most common pathogen.
- Patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) had a 63% IFI rate, while those without AML had an 81% rate.
- Steroid use increased IFI odds by 3.33 times, whereas antifungal exposure decreased odds by 72%.
Conclusions:
- Steroid use is a significant risk factor for IFI in hematological malignancy patients.
- Antifungal medication exposure appears protective against IFI in this population.
- Further research is warranted to optimize antifungal strategies for high-risk patients.
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