Infection in immune-deficiency states: aplastic anemia and leukemia a two-year review of cases at the UP-PGH Medical Center, (1974-1975)

ABSTRACT

In this two-year review of 107 cases of Aplastic Anemia, and Acute and Chronic Leukemia, it was found that the focus of infection in over one half of the total number of cases, was pulmonary, with soft tissue and urinary tract infection ranking second and third. The Onset of infection was found to be approximately 15 days after admission in aplastics, and 12 days for leukemicsStaphylococcus Aureaus was the most common pathogen in community acquired infections, while Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and E. Coli were common among the hospital acquired group. More deaths were associated with gram-negative organisms and, at a mean neutrophile count of 1,450/cu.mm. However, no significant relationship could be established between death and lymphocyte levelIn leukemia, markedly low neutrophile counts were observed at the time infection was known to set in, while no change was observed in the aplastic group, from admission to time of infection. It was only with the chronic leukemics that a significant decrease in lymphocyte count was noted. (Summary)