Bloodstream infections in pediatric hematology/oncology patients: Six years? experience of a single center in Turkey

Authors: TUĞÇE TURAL KARA, TUĞBA ERAT, AYSUN YAHŞİ, HALİL ÖZDEMİR, DİLBER TALİA İLERİ, ELİF İNCE, NURDAN TAÇYILDIZ, EMEL ÜNAL, ERGİN ÇİFTCİ, ERDAL İNCE

Abstract: Background/aim: Bloodstream infections are the major cause of morbidity, increased cost, prolonged hospitalization, and mortality in pediatric patients. Identifying the predominant microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibilities in centers helps to select effective empirical antimicrobials which leads to positive clinical outcomes. We aimed to identify the causative microorganisms and their antimicrobial susceptibilities in patients with bloodstream infections.Materials and methods: Data belonging to patients with hematological and/or oncological diseases admitted to our hospital with fever between January 2010 and November 2015 were analyzed. Results: In total, 71 patients who had 111 bloodstream infection episodes were included. Responsible pathogens were detected as follows: 35.1% gram-positive microorganisms, 60.5% gram-negative bacteria, and 4.4% fungi. The most common causative gram-negative pathogen was Escherichia coli and the most commonly isolated gram-positive microorganism was coagulase-negative staphylococci.Conclusion: Gram-negative microorganisms were predominant pathogens in bloodstream infections. Escherichia coli and coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most commonly isolated responsible pathogens. Beta-lactam/lactamase inhibitors were suitable for empirical treatment. However, in critical cases, colistin could have been used for empirical treatment until the culture results were available. Routine glycopeptide use was not required. By identifying the causative microorganisms and their antimicrobial resistance patterns, it will be possible to obtain positive clinical results.

Keywords: Bloodstream infections, hematology and oncology, microorganisms

Full Text: PDF