Invasive fungal infections in patients with acute leukemia.
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.
Hsiao
Hui-Hua
HH
Division of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Medical University Chun-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Tsai
Hui-Jen
HJ
Liu
Yi-Chang
YC
Tseng
Yi-Ting
YT
Lu
Po-Liang
PL
Yang
Wun-Chi
WC
Liu
Ta-Chih
TC
Lin
Sheng-Fung
SF
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000150:complications*; D012189:Retrospective Studies