Outcome analysis of invasive aspergillosis in hematologic malignancy and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients: the role of novel antimold azoles.

Background: Invasive aspergillosis (IA) continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hematologic malignancy (HM) patients. We evaluated the prognostic factors for IA in HM patients.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we included all HM patients diagnosed with proven or probable IA between June 1993 and June 2008.

Clinical effectiveness and risk of emerging resistance associated with prolonged use of antibiotic-impregnated catheters: more than 0.5 million catheter days and 7 years of clinical experience.

Objectives: Catheters coated with minocycline and rifampin are proven to decrease the rates of central line-associated bloodstream infection; however, it is unclear whether success occurs independent of other infection control precautions. We evaluated the effect of catheters coated with minocycline and rifampin with and without other infection control precautions on our rates of central line-associated bloodstream infection in critically ill patients and on antibiotic resistance throughout the hospital and in the intensive care unit.

Design: Retrospective clinical cohort study conducted during 1999-2006 with an observational laboratory component.

Does combination of lipid formulation of amphotericin B and echinocandins improve outcome of invasive aspergillosis in hematological malignancy patients?

Background: In vitro and in vivo studies suggested that combination of lipid formulation of amphotericin B (L-AMB) and echinocandins may have a synergistic or additive effect against Aspergillus. Furthermore, clinical studies suggested that this combination may improve response of invasive aspergillosis (IA).

Methods: Between August 1993 and June 2008, the authors identified a total of 159 patients with hematological malignancies who received salvage therapy for IA, with L-AMB alone, echinocandins alone, or a combination of L-AMB and echinocandins.

The crucial role of catheters in micrococcal bloodstream infections in cancer patients.

Micrococcus bacteria are frequently isolated from blood cultures and could represent a cause of infections associated with medical devices, particularly in immunocompromised patients; however, there is a lack of information on the management of micrococcal bacteremia. We report what is, to our knowledge, the largest series of cases of micrococcal bacteremia ever studied and the great impact of catheter removal on its outcome.