Septicaemia in childhood malignancy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Hematology

Background:

• Septicaemia poses a significant risk to children with malignant diseases.
• Understanding the epidemiology and outcomes of septicaemia in this vulnerable population is critical for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the incidence, causative agents, and outcomes of septicaemia in hospitalised children with malignant diseases.
• To identify risk factors associated with mortality in pediatric septicaemia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 44 septicaemia episodes in 32 children over 5.5 years.
• Data collection included patient demographics, underlying malignancy, isolated pathogens, and treatment outcomes.
• Correlation of mortality with factors such as granulocyte count, remission status, and causative microorganisms.

Main Results:

• Leukaemia was the most common underlying malignancy (52%), followed by malignant lymphoma.
• Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and Escherichia coli were the most frequent isolates.
• Overall mortality was 14%, with higher rates in Gram-negative infections and in children with low granulocyte counts (<0.5 X 10(9)/L) and without remission.

Conclusions:

• Septicaemia in children with malignant diseases, particularly leukaemia, requires vigilant monitoring.
• Prompt identification of pathogens and adjustment of antibiotic regimens based on microbial data and patient's clinical status are essential.
• Focus on neutropenic patients not in remission is critical for reducing mortality.