Open AccessInvasive Fungal Infections in Patients with Acute Leukemia
Author(s) -
Hsiao HuiHua,
Tsai HuiJen,
Liu YiChang,
Tseng YiTing,
Lu PoLiang,
Yang WunChi,
Liu TaChih,
Lin ShengFung
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the kaohsiung journal of medical sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.439
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 2410-8650
pISSN - 1607-551X
DOI - 10.1016/s1607-551x(09)70239-6
Subject(s) - medicine , incidence (geometry) , amphotericin b , acute leukemia , leukemia , cancer , disease , antifungal , mucormycosis , chemotherapy , intensive care medicine , immunology , surgery , dermatology , physics , optics
Invasive fungal infections, a serious problem among cancer patients, are increasing in incidence, and can cause morbidity and mortality. Such infections may hinder additional treatment, especially for patients with leukemia. We report here our experiences in the management of invasive fungal infection in patients with acute leukemia. A total of 18 patients were enrolled in the study: 12 had microabscesses of the liver and/or spleen and/or kidneys; four had sinonasal infections; and two had pulmonary infections. Most of the patients (88.9%) received amphotericin B during treatment for fungal infection. Thirteen patients achieved complete response without evidence of fungal infection in follow‐up. In the study, there were 11 mortalities, including five patients who died during therapy and six who later died as a result of relapse or refractoriness of the leukemia. We suggest that many patients may have a good response to antifungal therapy, and that fungal infection does not have to preclude additional chemotherapy after proper management. The state of the underlying disease has a strong impact on outcome.