Leaving previously implanted central venous catheters (ports) in place does not increase morbidity in patients undergoing autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation.

We sought to assess if leaving in place a previously inserted noncolonized or infected implantable catheter (IC) is associated with an increase in morbidity in patients undergoing autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation (APSCT). Medical records from all patients between March 1997 and January 2002 undergoing APSCT with an IC in place were reviewed. Case group (IC in place) was compared with a control group (no IC) from 6 days prior to 60 days after APSCT. In all, 43 cases were matched with 43 controls by underlying disease, age and sex. In both groups, duration of neutropenia and use of antimicrobial prophylaxis were comparable. Underlying malignancies were lymphoma (22/24), multiple myeloma (14/12), leukemia (3/3), and others (7/7) in case and control groups. Cases and controls had comparable rates of risk for fever, bloodstream infection, use of vancomycin and amphotericin B, and death, as well as comparable lengths of stay and readmissions. ICs were used in 20 of 43 patients. Using the IC did not significantly increase the risk of fever, bloodstream infection, length of stay, and/or readmissions after APSCT but was associated with increased use of antibacterial and antifungal agents. Leaving in place a previously inserted, noncolonized or infected IC did not increase morbidity in patients undergoing APSCT.

[Acute epiglottitis in adults. Three cases and review of the literature (author's transl)]. / Les épiglottites aiguës de l'adulte: trois observations et revue de la littérature.

Acute epiglottitis is much less frequent in adults than in children. Three personal cases are reported and clinical findings associated with epiglottitis in adults are reviewed; sudden onset of acute respiratory failure is outlined. Mechanical desobstruction of airway may be required promptly, tracheostomy being often preferred to tracheal intubation. Overall prognosis has been evaluated from 130 cases reported in the literature in the last twenty years: the mortality rate, reaching 24,6 per cent in 73 cases published between 1958 and 1973, has been reduced to 5 per cent in 60 most recent cases. This improvement reflects a better understanding of the disease and as more properly defined therapy.