Infections in hematological malignancies. Dis Mon. 2012;58:239-249. [PMID: 22449371 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2012.01.001]

The Differential Diagnostic Value of Chest Computed Tomography for the Identification of Pathogens Causing Pulmonary Infections in Patients with Hematological Malignancies

Objective

The role of chest computed tomography (CT) in distinguishing the causative pathogens of pulmonary infections in patients with hematological malignancies (HM) is unclear. The aim of our study was to compare and assess the clinical characteristics, radiologic features and potential differential diagnostic value of CT in HM patients and other different immune statuses patients with pulmonary infections.

Methods

Patients were divided into immunocompetent (105 cases) and immunocompromised groups (99 cases) according to immune status. Immunocompromised patients included the HM group (63 cases) and the non-HM group (42 cases). The basic clinical data and CT findings were collected and statistically analyzed.

Results

Regarding the pathogen distribution, viral, Pneumocystis jirovecii and mixed infections were more common in the immunocompromised group than the immunocompetent (p < 0.01), but viral infections were more common in the HM group than in the non-HM group (p=0.013). Immunocompromised patients had more diverse CT findings and more serious lesions (mostly graded 2-4) than immunocompetent patients. The most common CT findings in HM patients were consolidation and ground-glass opacities (GGO), which were also found in the non-HM group. The overall diagnostic accuracy of CT was lower in immunocompromised patients than in immunocompetent patients (25.7% vs 50.5%, p< 0.01). CT had better diagnostic efficacy for fungi and Pneumocystis jirovecii in HM patients.

Conclusion

CT diagnosis is less efficient in distinguishing the causative pathogens of HM patients. However, CT can help distinguish fungal pneumonia and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in HM patients.

Clinical Relevance Statement

Our study might facilitate clinical decision-making in fungal pneumonia and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in HM patients.

P, Rao P, Shenoy M S. A practical approach to febrile cancer patients: Diagnostic stewardship in Oncology units

Introduction

Cancer and cytotoxic chemotherapy used for its treatment predispose to severe and often fatal infections. Prompt diagnosis and timely antibiotic therapy are crucial, with delays in therapy initiation having high mortality. Complete blood count (CBC) is an inexpensive, standardized, and preliminary investigation for the management and follow-up of cancer patients with diagnostic and prognostic value.

Method

We studied the types of infections associated with various cancers treated with chemotherapy, their etiologies and susceptibility patterns, and the hematological profile of these patients as predictors of infection.

Results

A total of 21 patients (12 solid and 9 hematological malignancies) presented with 31 febrile episodes. White Blood cell count (2079 cells/cu. mm), percentage of neutrophils (52.9%), absolute neutrophil (137.5 cells/cu. mm), and platelet count (1,77,507 cells/cu. mm) were significantly lower in the 11 patients with febrile neutropenia. The absolute lymphocyte count (412.7 cells/cu. mm) was reduced with a strikingly low Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (6.07) in patients with neutropenia. Laboratory and radiological evidence were present in 14/15 episodes of hematological malignancies (p-0.218) whereas unexplained clinical sepsis was common in solid malignancies (p-0.0202). The majority of documented infections were bacterial, caused by gram-negative bacilli, often showing multi-drug resistance. Infectious etiologies were identified in 71.4% of the patients with febrile neutropenia for >5days. Bacterial infections developed within 2 days of neutropenia, whereas viral and fungal infections manifested in prolonged neutropenia. Multi-site infections and higher mortality rates were observed in patients with febrile neutropenia. (p<0.04).

Conclusion

Febrile neutropenia is a common complication among patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer, with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Early, rapid, and accurate diagnosis is key to prompt intervention. Hematological parameters such as Total Leukocyte count, platelet count, NLR, and Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio are promising biomarkers in conjunction with morphological changes in neutrophils, thus proving that CBC and peripheral smears are simple, easily available, cost-effective, and highly dependable screening tools, especially in resource-poor settings.

Microbiological risk factors, ICU survival, and 1-year survival in hematological patients with pneumonia requiring invasive mechanical ventilation

PURPOSE

To identify pathogenic microorganisms and microbiological risk factors causing high morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation due to pneumonia.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center study was performed at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Department of Internal Medicine at Heidelberg University Hospital (Germany) including 246 consecutive patients with hematological malignancies requiring invasive mechanical ventilation due to pneumonia from 08/2004 to 07/2016. Microbiological and radiological data were collected and statistically analyzed for risk factors for ICU and 1-year mortality.

RESULTS

ICU and 1-year mortality were 63.0% (155/246) and 81.0% (196/242), respectively. Pneumonia causing pathogens were identified in 143 (58.1%) patients, multimicrobial infections were present in 51 (20.7%) patients. Fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens were detected in 89 (36.2%), 55 (22.4%) and 41 (16.7%) patients, respectively. Human herpesviruses were concomitantly reactivated in 85 (34.6%) patients. As significant microbiological risk factors for ICU mortality probable invasive Aspergillus disease with positive serum-Galactomannan (odds ratio 3.1 (1.2-8.0), p = 0.021,) and pulmonary Cytomegalovirus reactivation at intubation (odds ratio 5.3 (1.1-26.8), p = 0.043,) were identified. 1-year mortality was not significantly associated with type of infection. Of interest, 19 patients had infections with various respiratory viruses and Aspergillus spp. superinfections and experienced high ICU and 1-year mortality of 78.9% (15/19) and 89.5% (17/19), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with hematological malignancies requiring invasive mechanical ventilation due to pneumonia showed high ICU and 1-year mortality. Pulmonary Aspergillosis and pulmonary reactivation of Cytomegalovirus at intubation were significantly associated with negative outcome.

Haematological malignancies implications during the times of the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated current healthcare services for cancer patients. Patients with haematological malignancies specifically seem vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to their immunosuppressed status. The COVID-19 pandemic influences every step of the assessment and treatment of a haematological malignancy. Clinicians must adhere to strict policies to not spread the virus to their patients while they must also adjust their workflow for maximum productivity. These difficulties accentuate the ever-present need to improve the healthcare services for cancer patients. This improvement is needed not only to combat the problems that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic but also to establish a framework for the management of patients with haematological malignancies in potential future pandemics.

Prospective observational study of palliative care in hematological malignancies: Report of one year of practice

INTRODUCTION

Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients with advanced disease.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the process of palliative care in patients with hematologic malignancies.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, we included patients with hematologic malignancies who received palliative care over a 12 month period from June 1, 2019, to May 31, 2020 at the day care hospital of the hematology department in University Hospital of Sfax, Tunisia. Blood transfusion was used to relieve symptoms of anemia and bleeding.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients were included. The median age was 68 years. Forty-three percent of patients were diagnosed with acute leukemia and 41.8% with myelodysplastic syndrome. Red cell and platelet transfusions were indicated in 94.5% and 36.3% of cases respectively. Patients reported improvement after blood transfusion in 50% of cases. Twenty-five transfusion reactions (45%) were noted. Fever was noted in 33 patients (60%), with documented sites of infection in 84.8% of them. Pulmonary infection was frequently noted (50%). Antimicrobial treatment was prescribed in all febrile cases. Pain was reported in 22 patients and in 77.5% of these cases, it was nociceptive. Patients who received analgesics showed clinical improvement in pain in 81% of cases. Anorexia with malnutrition was reported in 23% of cases which was treated with enteral nutrition in 75% of cases. Sleep disturbance (20 patients), anxiety (7 patients), and depression (4 patients) were mentioned respectively.

CONCLUSION

Palliative care in hematology should be a multidisciplinary care approach with a global management of the various physical, psychological and sociological complications.

The Role of Mannose-binding Lectin in Infectious Complications of Pediatric Hemato-Oncologic Diseases

The complement system is essential for protection against infections in oncologic patients because of the chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression. One of the key elements in the activation of the complement system via the lectin pathway is the appropriate functioning of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease 2 (MASP2) complex. The objective of our study was to find an association between polymorphisms resulting in low MBL level and activation of the MBL-MASP2 complex. Also, we aimed at finding a connection between these abnormalities and the frequency and severity of febrile neutropenic episodes in children suffering from hemato-oncologic diseases. Ninety-seven patients had been enrolled and followed from the beginning of the therapy for 8 months, and several characteristics of febrile neutropenic episodes were recorded. Genotypes of 4 MBL2 polymorphisms (-221C/G, R52C, G54D, G57E) were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Activation of the MBL-MASP2 complex was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the time of diagnosis and during an infection. The number of febrile neutropenic episodes was lower, and the time until the first episode was longer in patients with normal MBL level than in patients with low MBL level coding genotypes. The MBL-MASP2 complex activation level correlated with the MBL genotype and decreased significantly during infections in patients with low MBL level. Our results suggest that infections after immunosuppression therapy in children suffering from hemato-oncologic diseases are associated with the MBL2 genotype. Our results may contribute to the estimation of risk for infections in the future, which may modify therapeutic options for individuals.

The Outcome of Fungal Pneumonia with Hematological Cancer

Background

Fungal pneumonia is a common infectious complication of hematological cancer (HC) patients. In this retrospective study, the objective was set to identify the risk factors and outcome of fungal pneumonia in adult HC patients.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study was conducted with adult (>16 years) HC patients from January 2017 and December 2018.

Results

During the study period, of 181 patients included 76 were diagnosed with fungal pneumonia. The most common HC was identified as acute myeloid leukaemia (40%). Of the participating patients, 52 (29%) were hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. The median age of patients with fungal pneumonia was significantly greater: 57 vs. 48 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08) and they had longer hospitalization durations (OR: 1.14). Overall, 37 patients (20%) died, and 28-day mortality was significantly greater among patients with fungal pneumonia than without fungal pneumonia (33% vs. 11%). The most significant risk factors for mortality in fungal pneumonia were identified as need of intensive care unit (ICU) (OR: 191.2, P <0.001) and the need of vasopressor support (OR:81.6, P <0.012). ICU-mortality was (88%).

Conclusion

Fungal pneumonia is a lethal complication in HC patients. Intensive care need is the most important predictive factor for mortality.

Components of the Lectin Pathway of Complement in Haematologic Malignancies

The complement system is activated cascadically via three distinct major routes: classical pathway (CP), alternative pathway (AP) or lectin pathway (LP). The unique factors associated with the latter are collectins (mannose-binding lectin, collectin-10, collectin-11), ficolins (ficolin-1, ficolin-2, ficolin-3) and proteins of the mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease (MASP) family (MASP-1, MASP-2, MASP-3, MAp19, MAp44). Collectins and ficolins are both pattern-recognising molecules (PRM), reactive against pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP) or danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMP). The MASP family proteins were first discovered as complexes with mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and therefore named MBL-associated serine proteases, but later, they were found to interact with ficolins, and later still, collectin-10 and collectin-11. As well as proteolytic enzymes (MASP-1, MASP-2, MASP-3), the group includes non-enzymatic factors (MAp19, MAp44). In this review, the association-specific factors of the lectin pathway with haematologic malignancies and related infections are discussed.

Associations of ficolins and mannose-binding lectin with acute myeloid leukaemia in adults

We investigated clinical associations of ficolins and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) in 157 patients suffering from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Concentrations of ficolin-1, ficolin-2, ficolin-3 and MBL (before chemotherapy) in serum were determined as were selected polymorphisms of the corresponding genes (FCN1, FCN2, FCN3 and MBL2). The control group (C) consisted of 267 healthy unrelated individuals. Median level of ficolin-1 in patients was lower (p < 0.000001) while median levels of ficolin-2, ficolin-3 and MBL were higher (p < 0.000001, p < 0.000001 and p = 0.0016, respectively) compared with controls. These findings were generally associated with AML itself, however the highest MBL levels predicted higher risk of severe hospital infections (accompanied with bacteremia and/or fungaemia) (p = 0.012) while the lowest ficolin-1 concentrations tended to be associated with prolonged (> 7 days) fever (p = 0.026). Genotyping indicated an association of G/G homozygosity (corresponding to FCN1 gene - 542 G > A polymorphism) with malignancy [p = 0.004, OR = 2.95, 95% CI (1.41-6.16)]. Based on ROC analysis, ficolin-1, -2 and -3 may be considered candidate supplementary biomarkers of AML. Their high potential to differentiate between patients from non-malignant controls but also from persons suffering from other haematological cancers (multiple myeloma and lymphoma) was demonstrated.

How to manage patients in whom malignancy and infective endocarditis are associated: a review

Objective. Infective endocarditis (IE) is a potentially short-term lethal condition. An association with malignancy could complicate diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. The questions to be answered are: (1) which type of malignancies are encountered; (2) how often has the association between malignancy and IE been described, and (3) what are thus far the diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients with both conditions. Methods. A literature search from 2010 to 2018 has been performed with the focus on IE and cancer/malignancy/neoplasm, as well as with risk factors for adverse outcome, when cancer was included in the analysis. Results. An association between digestive, respiratory and hematologic malignancy with IE has been observed in four large databases. The most important mechanisms for this association are a "port of entry" and immune suppression. Sixteen studies dealt with the effect of short and mid-term cancer on the outcome of surgery of IE in these patients. No uniform management strategy could be identified. It seems that a malignancy does not alter the short-term outcome for IE, although referral to a tertiary cardiac center and surgical treatment are less common for patients with known malignancy. Conclusions. Although there is an association between malignancy and IE, no treatment strategy has yet been developed for these patients. Short-term outcome of IE is unaltered by cancer. In most papers, the effect of cancer on mid-term survival is only significant in a univariate analysis, without being a predictor. The results indicate that cardiac surgery for IE should not be withheld in patients in whom a treatable malignancy has been found.

Antibiotic treatment ameliorates Ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2) loss-of-function associated hematological malignancies

TET2 is among the most frequently mutated genes in hematological malignancies, as well as in healthy individuals with clonal hematopoiesis. Inflammatory stress is known to promote the expansion of Tet2-deficient hematopoietic stem cells, as well as the initiation of pre-leukemic conditions. Infection is one of the most frequent complications in hematological malignancies and antibiotics are commonly used to suppress infection-induced inflammation, but their application in TET2 mutation-associated cancers remained underexplored. In this study, we discovered that Tet2 depletion led to aberrant expansion of myeloid cells, which was correlated with elevated serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines at the pre-malignant stage. Antibiotics treatment suppressed the growth of Tet2-deficient myeloid and lymphoid tumor cells in vivo. Transcriptomic profiling further revealed significant changes in the expression of genes involved in the TNF-α signaling and other immunomodulatory pathways in antibiotics-treated tumor cells. Pharmacological inhibition of TNF-α signaling partially attenuated Tet2-deficient tumor cell growth in vivo. Therefore, our findings establish the feasibility of targeting pro-inflammatory pathways to curtail TET2 inactivation-associated hematological malignancies.

Risk Factors of Infection and Role of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Totally Implantable Venous Access Port Placement: Propensity Score Matching

BACKGROUND

To evaluate risk factors of infection and effectiveness of preprocedural single-dose intravenous prophylactic antibiotic (PABX) during totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) placement in preventing procedure-related infections.

METHODS

This was a retrospective single-institution multicenter study evaluating short-term (30-day) infection outcomes after TIVAP placement. Correlation between infection rates and clinical factors, including hematologic versus non-hematologic malignancy, inpatient versus outpatient status, single versus double lumen and PABX, was investigated using univariate and multivariable analysis in the overall study population as well as the propensity-score-matched cohort.

RESULTS

Overall, 5967 patients underwent TIVAP placement from 2005 to 2016, of which 3978 (67%) patients received PABX. On propensity score matching, 1952 patients with PABX were matched to the same number of patients without PABX. TIVAP was removed due to infection concern in 48 patients in unmatched and 30 patients in matched population. There was no difference in the rate of infection between those who received PABX and those who did not in both unmatched and matched population (p = 0.5387 and 0.9999). Although infection rate was significantly higher in patients who had TIVAP placement in inpatient setting (p < 0.0001), who received a double-lumen TIVAP (p < 0.0001), or who had hematologic malignancy (p = 0.0004) on univariate analysis, inpatient status was the sole factor associated with higher rate of TIVAP infection on multivariable analysis of both overall (odds ratio 2.31, p < 0.0001) and matched populations (odds ratio 4.36, p = 0.0004).

CONCLUSION

Placement of TIVAP in inpatient setting increases the risk of TIVAP infection. PABX before TIVAP placement does not prevent short-term procedure-related infections.

The Role of Complement Activating Collectins and Associated Serine Proteases in Patients With Hematological Malignancies, Receiving High-Dose Chemotherapy, and Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantations (Auto-HSCT)

We conducted a prospective study of 312 patients (194 with multiple myeloma, 118 with lymphomas) receiving high-dose conditioning chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT). Polymorphisms of MBL2 and MASP2 genes were investigated and serial measurements of serum concentrations of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), CL-LK collectin and MASP-2 as well as activities of MBL-MASP-1 and MBL-MASP-2 complex were made. Serum samples were taken before conditioning chemotherapy, before HSCT and once weekly after (totally 4-5 samples); in minority of subjects also 1 and/or 3 months post transplantation. The results were compared with data from 267 healthy controls and analyzed in relation to clinical data to explore possible associations with cancer and with chemotherapy-induced medical complications. We found a higher frequency of MBL deficiency-associated genotypes (LXA/O or O/O) among multiple myeloma patients compared with controls. It was however not associated with hospital infections or post-HSCT recovery of leukocytes, but seemed to be associated with the most severe infections during follow-up. Paradoxically, high MBL serum levels were a risk factor for prolonged fever and some infections. The first possible association of MBL2 gene 3′-untranslated region polymorphism with cancer (lymphoma) in Caucasians was noted. Heterozygosity for MASP2 gene +359 A>G mutation was relatively frequent in lymphoma patients who experienced bacteremia during hospital stay. The median concentration of CL-LK was higher in myeloma patients compared with healthy subjects. Chemotherapy induced marked increases in serum MBL and MASP-2 concentrations, prolonged for several weeks and relatively slighter decline in CL-LK level within 1 week. Conflicting findings on the influence of MBL on infections following chemotherapy of myeloma and lymphoma have been reported. Here we found no evidence for an association between MBL deficiency and infection during the short period of neutropenia following conditioning treatment before HSCT. However, we noted a possible protective effect of MBL during follow-up, and suspected that to be fully effective when able to act in combination with phagocytic cells after their recovery.

Fungal Pneumonia in Patients with Hematologic Malignancy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Fungal pneumonias cause unacceptable morbidity among patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) and recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The high incidence of fungal pneumonias in HM/HSCT populations arises from their frequently severe, complex, and persistent immune dysfunction caused by the underlying disease and its treatment. The cytopenias, treatment toxicities, and other immune derangements that make patients susceptible to fungal pneumonia frequently complicate its diagnosis and increase the intensity and duration of antifungal therapy. This article addresses the host factors that contribute to susceptibility, summarizes diagnostic recommendations, and reviews current guidelines for management of fungal pneumonia in patients with HM/HSCT.

Increased risk of active tuberculosis after cancer diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Cancer may increase risk of active tuberculosis but evidence is sparse. We therefore examined tuberculosis risk in patients with incident cancer using Danish nationwide medical databases.

METHODS

We conducted a matched follow-up study comparing risk of active tuberculosis in cancer-exposed individuals to that in a general population comparison cohort, matched on gender, age, and country of origin, in different follow-up intervals using Cox regression.

FINDINGS

We identified 290,944 patients with incident cancer and 871,147 matched comparison cohort members during 1 January, 2004-30 November, 2013. After adjusting for comorbidities, the overall adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for tuberculosis among cancer patients was 2.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.99-3.10). The highest tuberculosis risks were observed following cancers of the aerodigestive tract (aHR = 8.12; 95% CI: 4.33-15.22), tobacco-related cancers (aHR = 5.01; 95% CI: 3.37-7.44), and hematological cancers (aHR = 4.88; 95% CI: 2.27-10.48). Tuberculosis risk was highly elevated within the first year after cancer diagnosis (aHR = 4.14; 95% CI: 2.88-5.96), with a 6.78-fold increased aHR for cancer patients receiving cytostatics or radiotherapy. Beyond five years of observation, the overall aHR for tuberculosis remained at 2.66 (95% CI: 1.22-5.81).

INTERPRETATION

Cancer is a clinical predictor for increased risk of active tuberculosis, probably related to decreased infection barriers, immunosuppression, and shared risk factors.

Thoracic Complications in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

BACKGROUND

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common lymphoproliferative disorder worldwide. Although thoracic complications are frequent in CLL, only limited data exist regarding the etiologies of these complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients admitted to a tertiary care, CLL referral center, with CLL and a respiratory complaint from 2001 through 2013, to categorize pulmonary complaints and diagnoses.

RESULTS

There were 277 patients with CLL admitted on 409 occasions with respiratory complaints. The median age was 73 years, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. The majority of patients had a high-risk Rai classification and had received prior treatment. Common presenting symptoms included dyspnea, cough, and sputum production. The most common diagnoses were pneumonia (62.8%), with an identified organism in 44.7%, pleural effusions (31.8%), lung cancer (6.9%), and leukemic infiltrates (5.9%). Invasive procedures were performed 138 times: 70 bronchoscopies, 24 surgical lung biopsies, 10 computed tomography-guided lung biopsies, and 34 thoracenteses. In-hospital mortality was 24.9%. In a multivariable analysis, an elevated blood urea nitrogen level and creatinine, thrombocytopenia, and a presenting symptom of dyspnea correlated significantly with in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

Thoracic manifestations in CLL are common among hospitalized patients. Although infectious pneumonia remains most common, unusual or opportunistic infections may be increasing, and direct lung damage owing to CLL itself or to newer biologic agents are being diagnosed with lung tissue sampling. Recognition of these complications will allow earlier diagnosis, which may change management including removal of offending biologic agents or augmentation of treatment for CLL when infiltrative leukemic cells are present.

How can we help haematological cancer survivors cope with the changes they experience as a result of their cancer?

Haematological cancer often necessitates that individuals make significant lifestyle and behaviour changes to protect themselves against infections. It is essential that haematological cancer survivors receive the support and information they require to adjust to such changes. This cross-sectional survey of 259 haematological cancer survivors found that over two thirds of haematological cancer survivors would like to receive more detailed information or help with: diet and nutrition that takes into account their diagnosis and treatment, how to manage the symptoms from the cancer and/or treatment, signs and symptoms to be aware of that may indicate a possible infection and appropriate exercise. Over a third of survivors reported that they had to make changes to reduce their chance of infection, with social restriction the most commonly reported area of change survivors made. Improving communication and access to care and providing additional emotional support may assist survivors in making these additional changes. Healthcare providers should use this information to better support haematological cancer survivors in dealing with the effects haematological cancer has on their life.

Nosocomial infection in adult admissions with hematological malignancies originating from different lineages: a prospective observational study

Background

Nosocomial infection (NI) causes prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality among patients with hematological malignancies (HM). However, few studies have compared the incidence of NI according to the HM lineage.

Objective

To compare the incidence of NI according to the type of HM lineage, and identify the risk factors for NI.

Methods

This prospective observational study monitored adult patients with HM admitted for >48 hours to the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army during 2010–2013. Attack rates and incidences of NI were compared, and multivariable logistic regression was used to control for confounding effects.

Results

This study included 6,613 admissions from 1,922 patients. During these admissions, 1,023 acquired 1,136 NI episodes, with an attack rate of 15.47% and incidence of 9.6‰ (95% CI: 9.1–10.2). Higher rates and densities of NIs were observed among myeloid neoplasm (MN) admissions, compared to lymphoid neoplasm (LN) admissions (28.42% vs. 11.00%, P<0.001 and 11.4% vs. 8.4‰, P<0.001). NI attack rates in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MDS/MPN) were higher than those in MDS (30.69% vs. 20.19%, P<0.001; 38.89% vs. 20.19%, P = 0.003). Attack rates in T/NK-cell neoplasm and B-cell neoplasm were higher than those in Hodgkin lymphoma (15.04% vs. 3.65%; 10.94% vs. 3.65%, P<0.001). Multivariable regression analysis indicated prolonged hospitalization, presence of central venous catheterization, neutropenia, current stem cell transplant, infection on admission, and old age were independently associated with higher NI incidence. After adjusting for these factors, MN admissions still had a higher risk of infection (odds ratio 1.34, 95% CI: 1.13–1.59, P<0.001).

Conclusion

Different NI attack rates were observed for HM from different lineages, with MN lineages having a higher attack rate and incidence than LN lineages. Special attention should be paid to MN admissions, especially AML and MDS/MPN admissions, to control NI incidence.

Hematologic diseases: High risk of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea

AIM: To investigate the incidence and clinical outcome of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) associated diarrhea (CDAD) in patients with hematologic disease.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent C. difficile testing in a tertiary hospital in 2011. The incidence and risk factors for CDAD and its clinical course including recurrence and mortality were assessed in patients with hematologic disease and compared with those in patients with nonhematologic disease.

RESULTS: About 320 patients were diagnosed with CDAD (144 patients with hematologic disease; 176 with nonhematologic disease). The incidence of CDAD in patients with hematologic disease was estimated to be 36.7 cases/10000 patient hospital days, which was higher than the 5.4 cases/10000 patient hospital days in patients with nonhematologic disease. Recurrence of CDAD was more frequent in patients with hematologic disease compared to those with nonhematologic disease (18.8% vs 8.5%, P < 0.01), which was associated with higher re-use of causative antibiotics for CDAD. Mortality due to CDAD did not differ between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that intravenous immunoglobulin was the only significant factor associated with a lower rate of recurrence of CDAD in patients with hematologic disease.

CONCLUSION: The incidence and recurrence of CDAD was higher in patients with hematologic disease than in those with nonhematologic disease.

Using antimicrobial adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment: a review

Recent clinical and pre-clinical data demonstrate that adjuvant antimicrobial therapy is beneficial in cancer treatment. There could be several reasons for this effect, which include treating cancer associated bacteria and viruses, prophylaxis of post-chemotherapy infections due to immunosuppression, and antiproliferative effect of certain antimicrobials. Targeting cancer associated viruses and bacteria with antimicrobial agents is currently used for gastric, cervical, hematopoietic, liver and brain cancer. However this treatment is effective only in combination with conventional therapies. Antimicrobials can also have a direct antiproliferative and cytotoxic effect, and can cause apoptosis. Moreover, some antimicrobials are known to be helpful in overcoming side effects of drugs commonly used in cancer treatment. Chemotherapy related bacteremia and neutropenia can be overcome by the appropriately timed use of antimicrobials. This review summarizes the data on the effects of antivirals and antibiotics on cancer treatment and describes their mechanisms.