Related Experiment Videos
Infection in haematological malignancies
P K Das1, M K Chhotaray, R N Rath
1Department of Medicine, SCB Medical College, Cuttack.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Febrile episodes in cancer patients are often due to bacterial infections, particularly in those with neutropenia. Prompt treatment with antibiotics like cephalosporin and gentamicin is crucial, as infection significantly increases mortality risk.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Febrile episodes are common in patients with hematological malignancies.
- Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this patient population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes and outcomes of febrile episodes in patients with hematological malignancies.
- To identify common pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 56 febrile episodes in 30 patients with hematological malignancies.
- Clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations, and microbiological cultures were performed.
- Statistical analysis to determine the significance of neutropenia and mortality.
Main Results:
- Infection was identified in 75% of febrile episodes, predominantly in leukemia cases (60.7%).
- Bacterial infections (80.9%) were most common, with Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli) more frequent than Gram-positive (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus).
- Fever due to infection was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in patients with absolute neutropenia, who also had a significantly higher mortality rate (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Bacterial infections are the primary cause of fever in hematological malignancy patients.
- Absolute neutropenia is a significant risk factor for infection and mortality.
- Common pathogens showed sensitivity to cephalosporin and gentamicin, highlighting their importance in empirical treatment.