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Infectious complications to granulocytopenia
Abstract:
A consecutive series of patients with granulocytopenia was analysed with consideration of rate and spectrum of infectious complications. The records of 98 patients from 1975-81 were studied retrospectively. Fever was the most common symptom of infection. 78 patients had one or more infectious manifestations, and Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen isolated. Septicemia occurred in 22 patients of which 17 were caused by gram-negative bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa caused septicemia in 8 patients. The risk of septicemia increased with a decreasing cell count and with the degree and duration of fever. The mortality rate for the whole group was 24% and for the septicemic patients 41%.
Insights
Infectious complications were common in patients with granulocytopenia, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most frequent pathogen. Sepsis risk rose with lower cell counts and higher fever, impacting overall mortality.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Granulocytopenia, a condition characterized by a low count of granulocytes, significantly increases susceptibility to infections.
- Understanding the spectrum and rate of infectious complications is crucial for managing patients with granulocytopenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the rate and spectrum of infectious complications in a series of patients with granulocytopenia.
- To identify common pathogens and risk factors associated with infection and septicemia in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records from 98 patients with granulocytopenia treated between 1975 and 1981.
- Detailed review of infectious manifestations, isolated pathogens, and clinical parameters such as fever and cell counts.
Main Results:
- Fever was the most common infection symptom, with 78% of patients experiencing infectious manifestations.
- Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated pathogen. Gram-negative bacteria caused 17 of 22 septicemia cases, including 8 by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Increased risk of septicemia correlated with decreased cell count and higher fever severity/duration.
Conclusions:
- Patients with granulocytopenia face a high risk of infectious complications, necessitating vigilant monitoring and management.
- Septicemia, particularly from gram-negative bacteria, is a significant threat, with outcomes worsening with lower granulocyte counts and prolonged fever.
- The overall mortality rate was 24%, rising to 41% for patients with septicemia, highlighting the severity of these infections.