Rate, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies.

Background: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with hematological malignancies. Given the considerable prevalence and consequences of IFIs, hence revealing the exact cause of fungal infections, their rate, associated risk factors, and complications could contribute to reducing both financial and life costs, choosing targeted antifungal treatment, and avoiding unnecessary toxic treatments in individuals who are not suffering from mycoses. Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the first semester of 2019. All patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) admitted to Dr. Shariati Hospital were studied. Only those with probable/proven IFIs defined according to the last update of EORTC/MSG criteria were included in the study. The demographic and clinical data were recorded from the hospital information registration system using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 24. Results: Out of 1109 HM patients hospitalized during the study period, 67 (6.04%) IFIs were diagnosed. Of these, 57 (85.04%) were aspergillosis, 7 (10.4%) were mucormycosis, and 3 patients developed other fungal infections. Males constituted 67.2% of the entire IFI population. The mean±SD age of the samples was 43.16 ± 13.8 years. The most common type of malignancy was AML. Lung imaging showed lesions associated with fungal infections in 52 cases (77.6%), with multiple nodules as the most prevalent pattern being observed in 64.2% of cases. Sinus involvement was evidenced in the PNS CT scan of 46 (68.6%) patients. The attributable mortality rate for IFIs was 62.7%. Both the types of IFI and malignancies had no significant relationship with the outcome of patients. Central venous catheter, mucositis, and antibiotic use were the most frequent risk factors. Conclusion:  IFI represents a frequent complication for HM patients with high mortality. Aspergillus species are the predominant etiology in these settings. Considering our results, in high-risk patients, manifestations of warning signs in the sinus and lungs, which would not be cleared despite receiving antibiotics, should raise the possibility of IFIs.

Successful heart transplantation from a COVID-19-positive donor: A clinical case report.

Key Clinical Message: Despite the acceptable results in patients receiving organs from COVID-19-positive donors, more extensive studies over a longer period are still needed for more accurate conclusions. Abstract: Organ transplantation is a major concern during the current COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. The use of COVID-19-positive organ donors has raised widespread concerns in the field of transplantation. In this study, we characterized the outcome of a heart transplant from an organ donor positive for COVID-19.

Invasive fungal infections in hematologic malignancies: Incidence, management, and antifungal therapy.

The incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) has increased in recent years as a result of increasing the incidence of hematologic malignancies (HMs). IFIs, as the opportunistic diseases, are the most important concern in these patients with a high mortality rate. These infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in HM patients and an important factor in increasing the costs of patients' management because of the prolonged hospitalization and the inevitable need to use antifungal agents. Due to the changes in the pattern of organisms causing IFIs, unavailability of effective and safe antifungal drugs, and high rate of drug resistance as well as lack of fast and accurate diagnostic methods, these infections have become a serious and life-threatening problem necessitating effective prevention and treatment strategies using suitable antifungal agents, especially in high-risk patients. The aim of the present study was to review the pathogens causing various types of IFIs, diagnostic methods, and novel prophylactic and therapeutic antifungal regimens in HM patients according to the new published studies and clinical trials.

Esophageal cancer operation in the COVID-19 era: are the outcomes different from its past in an observational cohort study?

COVID-19 spread rapidly and potentially affected every medical profession, including surgery. This study aims to compare the postoperative outcomes of oesophageal cancer surgeries in COVID-19 age and a year before. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed as a single-centred study from March 2019 to March 2022 at Cancer institute, Tehran, Iran. Demographic data, cancer type, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes and complications were compared between the two groups pre-COVID-19 and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Totally, 120 patients enroled in the study, of which 57 underwent surgery before the COVID-19 pandemic, and 63 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mean age in these groups was 56.9 (±12.49) and 58.11 (±11.43), respectively. Females included 50.9% and 43.5% of individuals who underwent surgery before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The interval between admission and surgery was significantly shorter in patients underwent surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic (5.17 vs. 7.05; P=0.013). However, there was no significant difference between time interval between surgery and discharge [11.68 (7.81) vs. 12 (6.92); P=0.689]. Aspiration pneumonia was the most common complication in both groups. There was no significant difference between postoperative complications in both groups. Conclusion: Outcomes of oesophageal cancer surgeries in COVID-19 age in our institution were comparable with the year before the pandemic. The decrease in the time interval between surgery and discharge did not lead to an increase in postoperative complications and could be noted for post-COVID-19 era policymaking, too. This study suggests not postponing any of the surgical treatments for oesophageal cancer in the COVID-19 era.

Evaluating the Use of Communication Board on Cortisol Level and Physiological Parameters in Mechanically Ventilated Patients.

Background: Mechanically ventilated patients experience a high level of anxiety due to their therapeutic condition. Anxiety is one of the strongest emotions that patients under mechanical ventilation experience due to their inability to communicate with others. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of using a communication board on these patients' by assessing serum cortisol level and vital signs. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted in 2020. This study included 60 ventilated patients, who had been randomly assigned into two intervention and control groups. After blood sampling and evaluation of cortisol and physiological parameters, patients in the control group received routine communication by nurses, whereas those in the intervention group received communication using a communication board. Subsequently, the serum cortisol level and physiological parameters were measured again. Results: No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics. There was a significant difference in blood cortisol levels before and after in the intervention group (t 29 = 15.52, p < 0.001). After the intervention, the intervention group's systolic blood pressure (t 58 = -3.78, p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (t 58 = -3.79, p < 0.001), and heart rate (t 58 = -2.09, p = 0.041) were significantly lower than the control group. Conclusions: Communication through a communication board in mechanically ventilated patients leads to decreased cortisol levels and physiological parameters. It is recommended to do more studies about communication boards' content and use this tool for more prolonged periods.

Fusarium proliferatum-induced chronic lip ulcer: successful treatment with itraconazole: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Fusarium species are saprophytic fungi with a worldwide distribution. These fungi cause various infections among immunocompromised patients; however, they can also involve immunocompetent individuals. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 41-year-old Iranian woman who presented with ulcerative lesions on her lips 10 months ago. She had a long history of anxiety but had no history of classical risk factors such as trauma, cosmetic lip tattoo, burning in her lips, smoking or use of alcohol and opium. A skin biopsy from the lower lip was performed and sent for microbiological examinations. Hyaline septate hyphae were seen on direct microscopy with potassium hydroxide. The clinical specimen was subcultured on sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol and prepared for antifungal susceptibility testing and molecular identification. Considering the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for antifungals, itraconazole (100 mg orally twice a day) was started for her, and after 2 months, the lesions were treated. She followed up for 3 months, and no signs of disease recurrence were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Selecting an appropriate treatment strategy according to the laboratory assessments is essential in clinical practice and the management of rare infections to prevent related mortality and morbidity of opportunistic fungal infections.

Rapid Detection Test for COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers and the Role of Personal Protective Equipment.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we assessed the prevalence of positive rapid detection test (RDT) among healthcare workers (HCWs) and evaluated the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) and knowledge of the pandemic. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study conducted between August 2020 and October 2020 in a tertiary referral center (Tehran, Iran), we enrolled 117 physicians, nurses, and other HCWs (OHCWs)-aides, helpers, and medical waste handlers-regularly working in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wards. The RDT kit was utilized to reveal recent infection; data on demographics, PPE use and availability, and knowledge of the pandemic was collected through pre-defined questionnaires. RESULTS: Overall, 24.8% (95% CI: 16.8-32.7%) of HCWs had positive RDTs. The more PPE was available and used, the less the chance of positive RDT was (OR: 0.63 [0.44-0.91], P = 0.014 and 0.63 [0.41-0.96], P = 0.030). The same was true for the knowledge of prevention and adhering to preventive rules (OR: 0.44 [0.24-0.81], P = 0.008 and 0.47 [0.25-0.89], P = 0.020). OHCWs had the highest prevalence of positive RDT, while they had more shifts per month, less accessibility to PPE, and less knowledge of the pandemic than physicians. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that HCWs should have a thorough knowledge of the pandemic along with using PPE properly and rationally. Furthermore, adhering to preventive regulations plays a crucial role in HCWs' safety. It is also noteworthy that shifts should be arranged logically to manage exposures, with a special attention being paid to OHCWs.

Efficacy of a multiple-indication antiviral herbal drug (Saliravira®) for COVID-19 outpatients: A pre-clinical and randomized clinical trial study.

BACKGROUND: The scientific researches on COVID-19 pandemic topics are headed to an explosion of scientific literature. Despite these global efforts, the efficient treatment of patients is an in-progress challenge. Based on a meta-study of published shreds of evidence about compounds and their botanic sources in the last six decades, a novel multiple-indication herbal compound (Saliravira®) has been developed. Based on the antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing properties of its ingredients, we hypothesized that Saliravira® has the potential to act as an antiviral agent, accelerate treatment, and reduce undesirable effects of COVID-19. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, open-label clinical trial, COVID-19 outpatients were included by RT-PCR test or diagnosis of physicians according to the symptoms. Participants were randomly divided into intervention and control groups to receive Saliravira® package plus routine treatments of COVID-19 or routine treatments of COVID-19 alone, respectively. Saliravira® package includes tablets, nasal-sinuses spray, oral-pharynx spray, and inhaler drops. The treatment was for 10 days and followed up till 23 days after admission. RESULTS: On the 8th day, the "mean reduction rates" of viral load of the patients in the intervention group was 50% lower compared to the control group with a p-value < 0.05. The improvement of 10 out of 14 COVID-19 symptoms in the intervention group was significantly accelerated. The mean treatment duration of patients in the intervention group was 4.9 days less than the control group. In addition, no patients in the intervention group were hospitalized compared to 28% of the control group needed to be hospitalized.

Predictors of the chest CT score in COVID-19 patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Since the COVID-19 outbreak, pulmonary involvement was one of the most significant concerns in assessing patients. In the current study, we evaluated patient's signs, symptoms, and laboratory data on the first visit to predict the severity of pulmonary involvement and their outcome regarding their initial findings. METHODS: All referred patients to the COVID-19 clinic of a tertiary referral university hospital were evaluated from April to August 2020. Four hundred seventy-eight COVID-19 patients with positive real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or highly suggestive symptoms with computed tomography (CT) imaging results with typical findings of COVID-19 were enrolled in the study. The clinical features, initial laboratory, CT findings, and short-term outcomes (ICU admission, mortality, length of hospitalization, and recovery time) were recorded. In addition, the severity of pulmonary involvement was assessed using a semi-quantitative scoring system (0-25). RESULTS: Among 478 participants in this study, 353 (73.6%) were admitted to the hospital, and 42 (8.7%) patients were admitted to the ICU. Myalgia (60.4%), fever (59.4%), and dyspnea (57.9%) were the most common symptoms of participants at the first visit. A review of chest CT scans showed that Ground Glass Opacity (GGO) (58.5%) and consolidation (20.7%) were the most patterns of lung lesions. Among initial clinical and laboratory findings, anosmia (P = 0.01), respiratory rate (RR) with a cut point of 25 (P = 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) with a cut point of 90 (P = 0.002), white Blood Cell (WBC) with a cut point of 10,000 (P = 0.009), and SpO2 with a cut point of 93 (P = 0.04) was associated with higher chest CT score. Lung involvement and consolidation lesions on chest CT scans were also associated with a more extended hospitalization and recovery period. CONCLUSIONS: Initial assessment of COVID-19 patients, including symptoms, vital signs, and routine laboratory tests, can predict the severity of lung involvement and unfavorable outcomes.

Clinical manifestation, laboratory and radiology finding, treatment and outcomes of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Since December 2019, coronavirus (COVID-19) spread throughout the world. The high rate of infection and its unknown nature led specialists to report the condition of patients. The aim of this study is to systematically review of symptoms, laboratory and radiologic findings, treatment, and outcomes of patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane were searched. Finally, 46 articles were appropriate for the aim of the study. After quality evaluation, the necessary data were extracted and meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: 4858 articles were retrieved until March 30, 2020. After screening, the full-text of 46 articles was assessed. Of the reported cases, 31.7% had no comorbidities, 21.4% had high blood pressure, 70.6% had fever, and lymphopenia was reported in 55.2% of patients. For 16% bilateral patchy shadowing in radiography and for 51% ground-glass opacity was reported. Outcomes were remarkable for recover to death. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 leads to healthcare problems for countries. Nonspecific symptoms have made it difficult for differential diagnoses without computed tomography-scan or corona Test, but they are not available in many countries. Therefore, this systematic review can help health care staff to make decisions based on symptoms, treatments, and outcomes..

Safety and effectiveness of high-dose vitamin C in patients with COVID-19: a randomized open-label clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble nutrient that functions as a key antioxidant and has been proven to be effective for boosting immunity. In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of adding high-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) to the regimens for patients with severe COVID-19 disease. METHODS: An open-label, randomized, and controlled trial was conducted on patients with severe COVID-19 infection. The case and control treatment groups each consisted of 30 patients. The control group received lopinavir/ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine and the case group received HDIVC (6 g daily) added to the same regimen. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between two groups with respect to age and gender, laboratory results, and underlying diseases. The mean body temperature was significantly lower in the case group on the 3rd day of hospitalization (p = 0.001). Peripheral capillary oxygen saturations (SpO2) measured at the 3rd day of hospitalization was also higher in the case group receiving HDIVC (p = 0.014). The median length of hospitalization in the case group was significantly longer than the control group (8.5 days vs. 6.5 days) (p = 0.028). There was no significant difference in SpO2 levels at discharge time, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and mortality between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find significantly better outcomes in the group who were treated with HDIVC in addition to the main treatment regimen at discharge. Trial registration irct.ir (IRCT20200411047025N1), April 14, 2020.

Vitamin E in the prevention of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The use of vancomycin, as a key therapeutic choice for treatment of hazardous infections, may be associated with nephrotoxicity. The proposed mechanism is the indirect production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin E as an antioxidant agent in the prevention of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: In a matched-groups interventional study, patients who received vancomycin for any indication were assigned to vitamin E (n = 30) and control (n = 60) groups. The patients in experimental group received 400 units of oral vitamin E per day for 10 days started concurrently with vancomycin, while the patients in control group received vancomycin alone. Serum level of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine clearance (CrCl), and 24-h urine output were determined and recorded before the start of interventions, every other day during therapy, and 12 h after the last dose of vancomycin in 10th day of therapy for all patients. Also, the rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the two groups was recorded. Finally, the mean values of the measured parameters were compared between the groups. FINDINGS / RESULTS: Treatment with vitamin E for 10 days resulted in a significant reduction of BUN (from 17.5 ± 7.8 mg/dL at baseline to 11.4 ± 4.8 mg/dL at the end; P < 0.001) along with slightly non-significant increase of CrCl (from 84.7 ± 18.9 mL/min at baseline to 91.3 ± 19.5 mL/min at the end; P = 0.301) in comparison to the control group. However, CrCl decreased significantly in the control group. Vitamin E had no significant effect on 24-h urine output. Regarding vancomycin-induced AKI, 12 cases were observed in the control group, while no case was reported in experimental group (P = 0.041). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: This study showed the beneficial effect of add-on therapy of vitamin E besides vancomycin in reducing AKI, which could be considered as a new potential prophylactic therapy for vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine against Vancomycin-Induced Nephrotoxicity: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The proposed mechanism of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity (VIN) is indirect production of reactive oxygen species in the kidney tissue. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an anti-oxidant agent, in the prevention of VIN. METHODS: Patients who received vancomycin for any indication were randomly divided to drug (NAC) and control groups. The patients in the drug group received oral NAC 600 mg every 12 hours for 10 days, starting concurrently with vancomycin. Serum creatinine (SCr) levels and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) as well as creatinine clearance (CrCl) and 12-hour urine volume were recorded at baseline, every other day during the study, and 12 hours after the last dose of vancomycin on the 10th day. Furthermore, the cases of acute kidney injury (AKI; ≥ 0.5 mg/dL or at least 50% increase in serum creatinine from baseline) were recorded in the two groups. RESULTS: Over the study period, 84 and 95 patients completed the study in drug and control groups, respectively. SCr and CrCl were significantly lower and higher, respectively, at all-time points (except for baseline) in the NAC compared to the control group. Furthermore, although not statistically significant, 12 cases of vancomycin-induced AKI were observed in the control group (12.63%), while 4 cases (4.76%) were reported from drug group (P = 0.066; relative risk [RR] = 0.377, 95% CI: 0.126-1.124). CONCLUSION: NAC has the potential for reduction of VIN. However, more studies are necessary to confirm this effect.

Traumatic Mucormycosis of Auricular Cartilage in an Iranian Diabetic Patient.

Mucormycosis is an uncommon and acute fungal infection, with high morbidity and mortality. Traumatic mucormycosis mainly occurs in military conflicts, civilian trauma, and vehicle accidents. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and tsunamis also play a major role in causing mucormycosis by inoculation. Herein, we presented a case of trauma-related mucormycosis in a 70-year-old diabetic male. He referred to a specialty clinic due to the auricular swelling after having fallen and having a major trauma in his ear. Pathologic examination of necrotic cartilage revealed broad ribbon like aseptate hyphae. Antifungal therapy with amphotericin B deoxycholate (1.5 mg/kg/day) was administered for 6 weeks as an initial therapy, and the patient was discharged with a regimen of posaconazole oral solution (400 mg PO bid with meals) for 8 weeks. He followed up for one year and there was no recurrence of the infection. In conclusion, traumatic mucormycosis is a rare but potentially life-threatening fungal infection. Early diagnosis and surgical excision are essential regarding the management of this critical condition. Knowing the underlying diseases is preferable to early diagnosis and timely initiation of antifungal therapy in order to improve survival rates.

Cytarabine and Doxorubicin-Induced Palmoplantar Erythrodysesthesia Syndrome: The Possible Role of Voriconazole Interaction.

Palmoplantar Erythrodysesthesia Syndrome (PPES) caused by chemotherapeutic agents is rarely life threatening and requires a reduction in dose or discontinuation of chemotherapy. The use of cytarabine and doxorubicin in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) along with voriconazole can potentially alter the metabolism of the drugs and cause some interactions. In this study, we presented a case of AML who received cytarabine and doxorubicin as a chemotherapy regimen and voriconazole as a prophylactic anti-fungal. In this combination, voriconazole probably inhibits the P-glycoprotein pump, which leads to an increase in the cytarabine concentration. The emphasis of this report is the awareness of clinicians and pharmacotherapists about these interactions.

Oropharyngeal Irrigation to Prevent Ventilator-Associated-Pneumonia: Comparing Potassium Permangenate with Chlorhexidine.

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections among bedridden patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Colonization of mouth and pharynx by pathogenic bacteria and their aspiration into the lower respiratory tract is an important step in pathogenesis of hospital-acquired pneumonia. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of chlorhexidine and potassium permanganate mouthwashes in preventing incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized patients in the ICU. METHODS: This study is a clinical trial, conducted on 150 patients on ventilator in ICU. Patients were divided into three groups: Chlorhexidine group, potassium permanganate group, and control group. Mouthwashing three times a day, each time 5 min for 1 week by sterile gas with 10 cc solution of chlorhexidine, potassium permanganate, or placebo, was performed. Finally, pneumonia incidence was recorded, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 20. RESULTS: In the present study, 28 cases of pneumonia among 150 patients on ventilator were investigated. There were 15 (30%), 6 (12%), and 7 (14%) incidences of pneumonia in control, chlorhexidine, and permanganate group, respectively. Pneumonia incidence in these groups differed significantly (P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: The use of common mouthwashes, especially chlorhexidine solution, for washing oropharynx of ICU patients, can decrease pneumonia incidence, especially in patients under ventilation. Thus, washing and sterilizing mouth of patients with mouthwashes is recommended due to the high risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia in these patients.

Prevalence of Fungemia in Pediatric Patients with Febrile Neutropenia.

BACKGROUND: Increasing use of different chemotherapy regimens, organ transplants, etc., has led to the increasing number of neutropenic patients. Overall, 10% of patients affected by cancer who are under treatment with anticancer drugs, regardless of the tumor type, are susceptible to febrile neutropenia. The study was performed to evaluate the frequency of bloodstream fungal infections in pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia in Sayed Al-Shohada Hospital (Cancer Referral Center in Isfahan) in 2010-2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia who were referred to Sayed Al-Shohada Hospital (Cancer Referral Center in Isfahan) in 2010-2012. Blood samples were obtained from all the patients and were loaded into Bactec 9050 blood culture instruments (Bectone Dickinson, Baltimore, Md., USA), and organisms responsible for causing fever were detected. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients (51.3 males, 48.7 females) with a mean age of 12.3 ± 15.8 years were included. The blood cultures of 48 patients (71.6%) were negative. Seven samples of the isolates (10.4%) were fungi, and twelve of them (18%) were bacteria. Thus, the prevalence of fungal infection was 10.4%. CONCLUSION: Due to the high relative prevalence of fungal infections in our study, it is necessary to take precautions for fungal infection prevention and choose the best way management to obtain optimal results in these patients.

Respiratory Viruses in Febrile Neutropenic Patients with Respiratory Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory infections are a frequent cause of fever in neutropenic patients, whereas respiratory viral infections are not frequently considered as a diagnosis, which causes high morbidity and mortality in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was performed on 36 patients with neutropenia who admitted to hospital were eligible for inclusion with fever (single temperature of >38.3°C or a sustained temperature of >38°C for more than 1 h), upper and lower respiratory symptoms. Sampling was performed from the throat of the patient by the sterile swab. All materials were analyzed by quantitative real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction covering the following viruses; influenza, parainfluenza virus (PIV), rhinovirus (RV), human metapneumovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RESULTS: RV was the most frequently detected virus and then RSV was the most. PIV was not present in any of the tested samples. Furthermore, no substantial differences in the distribution of specific viral species were observed based on age, sex, neutropenia duration, hematological disorder, and respiratory tract symptoms and signs (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our prospective study supports the hypothesis that respiratory viruses play an important role in the development of neutropenic fever, and thus has the potential to individualize infection treatment and to reduce the extensive use of antibiotics in immunocompromised patients with neutropenia.