Presentation of infection in older patients--a prospective study.

Background: Traditional wisdom suggests that infections in older patients have atypical presentation, including blunted febrile response. Data are scarce.

Design: We analyzed data from a prospectively collected database on presentation of infection in 4,308 patients, and compared the presentation of older patients (≥ 75 years) versus adults (< 75 years).

The association between infections and chemotherapy interruptions among cancer patients: prospective cohort study.

Objectives: Adherence to scheduled chemotherapy is important for optimal outcomes of cancer patients. We examined causes for delay or cancellation of planned chemotherapy, focusing on mild respiratory infections during the winter.

Methods: Prospective cohort study.

Subcutaneous versus intravenous granulocyte colony stimulating factor for the treatment of neutropenia in hospitalized hemato-oncological patients: randomized controlled trial.

Intravenous (IV) granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) might be safer and more convenient than subcutaneous (SC) administration to hospitalized hemato-oncological patients receiving chemotherapy. To compare IV vs. SC G-CSF administration, we conducted a randomized, open-label trial.

Clinical effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine among adult cancer patients.

Background: Patients with cancer are at increased risk of developing complications of influenza. In this study, the authors assessed the effectiveness of influenza vaccination among cancer patients.

Methods: A prospective, noninterventional cohort study was conducted during the 2010 to 2011 influenza season.

Elevation of CRP precedes clinical suspicion of bloodstream infections in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Objectives: We aimed to examine whether C-reactive protein (CRP) elevation precedes the clinical signs and symptoms of infection among patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

Methods: Prospective cohort of patients undergoing allogeneic HCT in whom daily blood samples for CRP were taken. In a nested case-control study, cases were defined as patients with clinically-significant bloodstream infection (BSI).

Characteristics of initial compared with subsequent bacterial infections among hospitalised haemato-oncological patients.

Surveys of bacterial infections among neutropenic cancer patients frequently report pooled antibiotic susceptibility data. Management guidelines address initial antibiotic regimens for febrile neutropenia. In this study, rates of bacterial infection and antibiotic susceptibilities among initial and subsequent or breakthrough episodes of fever were analysed.