The Evaluation of Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients with Hematological Malignancy
Cerrahpaşa Medical Journal, sa.1, ss.1-5, 2025 (TRDizin)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.5152/cjm.2025.25080
- Dergi Adı: Cerrahpaşa Medical Journal
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-5
- İstanbul Medipol Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objective: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a major complication in patients with hematological malignan-cies, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological, clini-cal, and microbiological perspective of IFIs in febrile neutropenic patients with hematologic malignancies. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the hematology unit of a 1709-bed university hospital between April 2008 and December 2010. Among 727 hospitalized patients with hematological malignan-cies, 168 febrile neutropenic patients with suspected IFIs were followed during the study period. Diagnostic evaluation included blood cultures, galactomannan antigen testing, high-resolution computed tomography, respiratory tract, and other sampling. Samples were evaluated as microbiological and pathological in terms of IFI.Results: Hundred out of 168 patients (59.5%, n = 100/168) were diagnosed with IFIs, corresponding to an incidence of 13.8%. Mold infections predominated (86%, n = 86/100), with invasive pulmonary asper-gillosis accounting for the majority of cases, while candidemia represented the leading cause of proven infections (76.4%, n = 13/17). Less common pathogens included Fusarium spp., Trichosporon spp., and Pneumocystis jirovecii. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 54%, with the highest case fatality observed in probable and proven IPA. Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial burden and high mortality associated with IFIs in patients with hematological malignancies during the 2008-2010 period, prior to widespread antifungal prophylaxis and advanced diagnostics. Despite recent progress leading to lower incidence and improved survival, IFIs remain a critical clinical challenge. Early diagnosis and optimized antifungal strategies are essential to improving outcomes in this patient population.