SEIFEM 2010: Epidemiological Survey on Possible Pre-Hospital Risk Factors for Developing Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients Affected by Acute Myeloid Leukemia

SEIFEM 2010:

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEY ON POSSIBLE PRE-HOSPITAL RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING INVASIVE FUNGAL INFECTIONS IN PATIENTS AFFECTED BY ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA

Background:

In two different multicenter surveys conducted in Italy from 1988-1997 and 1999-2003, (Invasive Fungal Infections) IFIs were found to be a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in patients treated with conventional chemotherapies, particularly in those suffering from acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

In general, the major factors that have been recognized as influencing the likelihood of invasive fungal infection are the patient's immune status, the degree of any organ damage (e.g., mucositis), and overall microbial exposure (i.e., colonization, environment, and prior infection). Since the 1990s, different risk-stratification strategies have been evaluated in order to identify those patients who may benefit from intensive prophylactic and diagnostic measures. However, despite having similar risk profiles, only a subset of AML patients will develop an IFI. One of the most exciting recent advances in the understanding of the epidemiology of IFIs is the recognition of the complexity of the host and the identification of new host-related risk factors.