Infection in immunocompromised patients with malignant blood disorders in a district general hospital

The pattern and management of infection in immunocompromised patients over a period of 3 years in a district general hospital has been studied. A total of 222 positive cultures was obtained in 607 episodes of suspected infection all involving patients with malignant blood disorders. Febrile episodes requiring intravenous antibiotics occurred in 248 instances involving 107 patients. The pattern of organisms cultured and the responses to various antibiotic regimes are reported. The costs of antibiotic therapy are considered in the light of the overall response. Of the patients studied, 54 died, infection having a likely causative or contributory part in 21 of them (less than 10% of infective episodes). We conclude that the infective complications of these disorders, particularly in older patients, can be efficiently managed in a district general hospital when full supportive facilities are available.