ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infection (BSI) remains a considerable cause of morbidity and mortality for cancer patients. With a better understanding of it, better methods can be used. The primary objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of BSIs in our institution, and the second was to determine the possible risk factors associated with them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of cancer patients from 2009 to 2015 at our institution were included. Medical information and blood cultures were analyzed to determine the BSI rate. The χ and Fisher exact tests were used for categorical data and to determine risk factors associated with BSIs and pathogens. RESULTS: A total of 565 (8.6%) events were diagnosed with BSIs. Although Gram-negative bacteria (52.6%) were the most commonly isolated pathogens, Gram-positive microorganisms (45.0%) were also prevalent. Oral and gastrointestinal organisms were common. Pathogens were more likely to be identified in patients with central venous catheters and in patients with prolonged neutropenia (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides updated epidemiology in BSIs and helps with the prevention and management of suspected BSIs in vulnerable patients. Better anti-infection therapy could be provided to these patients based on the isolated pathogens.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Sepsis/epidemiology , Adolescent , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Immunocompromised Host , Infant , Male , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neutropenia/chemically induced , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Sepsis/immunology , Sepsis/microbiologyABSTRACT
Li-Fraumeni syndrome is a kind of hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes, and is caused by TP53 gene mutation. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is commonly described as the most closely related tumor with this disease. Here, we present a case of a male infant with composite ACC and neuroblastoma who inherited a TP53 gene mutation from his mother, a 20-year-old carrier without any tumor to date. This TP53 gene mutation may be pathogenic and lead to composite malignancies of ACC and neuroblastoma.