Bacteremia in neutropenic versus nonneutropenic cancer patients: etiology and outcome in 401 episodes.

ABSTRACT

Etiology, risk factors, symptomatology and outcome of 401 bacteremic episodes during the period of 6 years in a National Cancer Institute occurring among 9987 admissions were analyzed. Neutropenia as an independent risk factor was observed in 198 episodes, while 203 bacteremic episodes appeared in nonneutropenic patients. Both groups were compared in risk factors, etiology, clinical symptomatology and outcome. Proportion of particular pathogens did not show significant differences in both groups, except for E. faecalis occurring more frequently in the group of nonneutropenic patients in contrast to Enterobacteriaceae, occurring more frequently in neutropenic patients. There was significant by higher proportion of anaerobic bacteremia and fungemia in neutropenic than in nonneutropenic patients. Prior prophylaxis with quinolones with breakthrough bacteremia were also seen more frequently in the group of neutropenic patients. Septic shock and death due to bacteremia occurred more frequently in the group of neutropenic patients.