Fungal infections in leukemic patients: our experience during 5 years

• Published in: Sangre (Zaragoza) Vol. 41; no. 5; p. 395
• Main Authors: Torre, M A, Escalante, R, López Martín, J C, de la Maya, M D, Martínez Estéfano, E, López Lacomba, D, González Aza, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01-10-1996
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Amphotericin B - therapeutic use; Antifungal Agents - therapeutic use; Antineoplastic Agents - adverse effects; Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use; Child; Female; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Leukemia - complications; Leukemia - drug therapy; Lung Diseases, Fungal - drug therapy; Lung Diseases, Fungal - epidemiology; Lung Diseases, Fungal - etiology; Male; Middle Aged; Mycoses - drug therapy; Mycoses - epidemiology; Mycoses - etiology; Neutropenia - chemically induced; Neutropenia - complications; Retrospective Studies; Thrombocytopenia - chemically induced; Thrombocytopenia - complications
• ISSN: 0036-4355

The use of high-dose chemotherapy and the subsequent prolonged neutropenia in patients with haematological diseases have resulted in an increased incidence of fungal infections. These infections are associated with a high mortality rate. There are several predisposing factors including broad-spectrum antibiotic, central venous access. Diagnosis remains difficult. Characteristic clinical manifestations are not constant and they appear only after neutrophil recovery. Responsible organisms are infrequently isolated. The use of invasive procedures is far from being justified in patients who suffering usual severe thrombocytopenia. The unique drug with proven efficiency in the treatment of fungal infections is amphotericin B or liposomal amphotericin B. A favourable outcome strongly correlated with complete leukemia remission. We describe our findings in seven leukemic patients with fungal infections.