​A Retrospective Comparison of Mortality in Hematological versus Non-Hematological Malignancies in Cancer Intensive

ABSTRACT

Objective: The objective of this study was to study the demographic data and clinical outcome of cancer patient admitted inintensive care unit (ICU).Materials and Methods: Data of cancer patients admitted in ICU of tertiary care hospital between August 2017 and September2018 were reviewed retrospectively.Results: During the study period, 441 cancer patients were admitted in ICU. Majority of patients were male (58.27%). The mostcommon reason for ICU referral was respiratory problem (31.75%) followed by cardiovascular (26%). Lung carcinoma wasthe most common among solid malignancy, whereas lymphoma was the most common hematological malignancy. Patientswith hematological malignancy were relatively younger (55 years vs. 63 years). Patients who required inotropes/vasopressorsor mechanical ventilation had poor prognosis than the others. The mortality rate was higher in patient with hematologicalmalignancy than solid malignancy patients.Conclusion: The demand for intensive care for critically ill cancer is increasing, and considering the improvement in prognosiscancer patients should not be denied ICU care merely on the basis of a patient suffering from cancer. Data suggest that admittingselected patient with cancer to ICU is justifiable, but mere admitting patents for end of life care is not recommended.