CNS infections in patients with hematological disorders (including allogeneic stem-cell transplantation)-Guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO)

Oncology Intensive Care Units: Distinguishing Features and Clinical Considerations

The rapidly advancing field of cancer therapeutics has led to increased longevity among cancer patients as well as increasing complexity of cancer-related illness and associated comorbid conditions. As a result, institutions and organizations that specialize in the in-patient care of cancer patients have similarly evolved to meet the constantly changing needs of this unique patient population. Within these institutions, the intensive care units that specialize in the care of critically ill cancer patients represent an especially unique clinical resource. This article explores some of the defining and distinguishing characteristics associated with oncology ICUs.

Global guideline for the diagnosis and management of cryptococcosis: an initiative of the ECMM and ISHAM in cooperation with the ASM

Cryptococcosis is a major worldwide disseminated invasive fungal infection. Cryptococcosis, particularly in its most lethal manifestation of cryptococcal meningitis, accounts for substantial mortality and morbidity. The breadth of the clinical cryptococcosis syndromes, the different patient types at-risk and affected, and the vastly disparate resource settings where clinicians practice pose a complex array of challenges. Expert contributors from diverse regions of the world have collated data, reviewed the evidence, and provided insightful guideline recommendations for health practitioners across the globe. This guideline offers updated practical guidance and implementable recommendations on the clinical approaches, screening, diagnosis, management, and follow-up care of a patient with cryptococcosis and serves as a comprehensive synthesis of current evidence on cryptococcosis. This Review seeks to facilitate optimal clinical decision making on cryptococcosis and addresses the myriad of clinical complications by incorporating data from historical and contemporary clinical trials. This guideline is grounded on a set of core management principles, while acknowledging the practical challenges of antifungal access and resource limitations faced by many clinicians and patients. More than 70 societies internationally have endorsed the content, structure, evidence, recommendation, and pragmatic wisdom of this global cryptococcosis guideline to inform clinicians about the past, present, and future of care for a patient with cryptococcosis.

Microbiomes detected by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing among patients with and without HIV with suspected central nervous system infection

BACKGROUND

Opportunistic infections in the central nervous system (CNS) can be a serious threat to people living with HIV. Early aetiological diagnosis and targeted treatment are crucial but difficult. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has significant advantages over traditional detection methods. However, differences in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) microbiome profiles of patients living with and without HIV with suspected CNS infections using mNGS and conventional testing methods have not yet been adequately evaluated.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in the first hospital of Changsha between January 2019 and June 2022 to investigate the microbiomes detected using mNGS of the CSF of patients living with and without HIV with suspected CNS infections. The pathogens causing CNS infections were concurrently identified using both mNGS and traditional detection methods. The spectrum of pathogens identified was compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Overall, 173 patients (140 with and 33 without HIV) with suspected CNS infection were enrolled in our study. In total, 106 (75.7%) patients with and 16 (48.5%) patients without HIV tested positive with mNGS (p = 0.002). Among the enrolled patients, 71 (50.7%) with HIV and five (15.2%) without HIV tested positive for two or more pathogens (p < 0.001). Patients with HIV had significantly higher proportions of fungus (20.7% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.016) and DNA virus (59.3% vs. 21.2%, p < 0.001) than those without HIV. Epstein-Barr virus (33.6%) was the most commonly identified potential pathogen in the CSF of patients living with HIV using mNGS, followed by cytomegalovirus (20.7%) and torque teno virus (13.8%). The top three causative pathogens identified in patients without HIV were Streptococcus (18.2%), Epstein-Barr virus (12.1%), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (9.1%). In total, 113 patients living with HIV were diagnosed as having CNS infections. The rate of pathogen detection in people living with HIV with a CNS infection was significantly higher with mNGS than with conventional methods (93.8% vs. 15.0%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CSF microbiome profiles differ between patients living with and without HIV with suspected CNS infection. mNGS is a powerful tool for the diagnosis of CNS infection among people living with HIV, especially in those with mixed infections.

Viral meningoencephalitis in pediatric solid organ or hematopoietic cell transplant recipients: a diagnostic and therapeutic approach

Neurologic complications, both infectious and non-infectious, are frequent among hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Up to 46% of HCT and 50% of SOT recipients experience a neurological complication, including cerebrovascular accidents, drug toxicities, as well as infections. Defects in innate, adaptive, and humoral immune function among transplant recipients predispose to opportunistic infections, including central nervous system (CNS) disease. CNS infections remain uncommon overall amongst HCT and SOT recipients, compromising approximately 1% of total cases among adult patients. Given the relatively lower number of pediatric transplant recipients, the incidence of CNS disease amongst in this population remains unknown. Although infections comprise a small percentage of the neurological complications that occur post-transplant, the associated morbidity and mortality in an immunosuppressed state makes it imperative to promptly evaluate and aggressively treat a pediatric transplant patient with suspicion for viral meningoencephalitis. This manuscript guides the reader through a broad infectious and non-infectious diagnostic differential in a transplant recipient presenting with altered mentation and fever and thereafter, elaborates on diagnostics and management of viral meningoencephalitis. Hypothetical SOT and HCT patient cases have also been constructed to illustrate the diagnostic and management process in select viral etiologies. Given the unique risk for various opportunistic viral infections resulting in CNS disease among transplant recipients, the manuscript will provide a contemporary review of the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of viral meningoencephalitis in these patients.

Neuroradiology of acute pathologies in adults with hematologic malignancies: a pictorial review

Hematopoietic and lymphoid tumors are a heterogeneous group of diseases including lymphomas, multiple myeloma (MM), and leukemias. These diseases are associated with systemic involvement and various clinical presentations including acute neurological deficits. Adult patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) are at risk for developing a wide array of acute conditions involving the nervous system. HM in adults may present as tumoral masses responsible for mass effect, possibly resulting in acute neurological signs and symptoms caused by tumor growth with compression of central nervous system (CNS) structures. Moreover, as result of the hematologic disease itself or due to systemic treatments, hematologic patients are at risk for vascular pathologies, such as ischemic, thrombotic, and hemorrhagic disorders due to the abnormal coagulation status. The onset of these disorders is often with acute neurologic signs or symptoms. Lastly, it is well known that patients with HM can have impaired function of the immune system. Thus, CNS involvement due to immune-related diseases such as mycotic, parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections linked to immunodeficiency, together with immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, are frequently seen in hematologic patients. Knowledge of the etiology and expected CNS imaging findings in patients with HM is of great importance to reach a fast and correct diagnosis and guide treatment choices. In this manuscript, we review the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance findings of these conditions which can be related to the disease itself and/or to their treatments.

Differentiating central nervous system infection from disease infiltration in hematological malignancy

Hematological malignancies place individuals at risk of CNS involvement from their hematological disease and opportunistic intracranial infection secondary to disease-/treatment-associated immunosuppression. Differentiating CNS infection from hematological disease infiltration in these patients is valuable but often challenging. We sought to determine if statistical models might aid discrimination between these processes. Neuroradiology, clinical and laboratory data for patients with hematological malignancy at our institution between 2007 and 2017 were retrieved. MRI were deep-phenotyped across anatomical distribution, presence of pathological enhancement, diffusion restriction and hemorrhage and statistically modelled with Bayesian-directed probability networks and multivariate logistic regression. 109 patients were studied. Irrespective of a diagnosis of CNS infection or hematological disease, the commonest anatomical distributions of abnormality were multifocal-parenchymal (34.9%), focal-parenchymal (29.4%) and leptomeningeal (11.9%). Pathological enhancement was the most frequently observed abnormality (46.8%), followed by hemorrhage (22.9%) and restricted diffusion (19.3%). Logistic regression could differentiate CNS infection from hematological disease infiltration with an AUC of 0.85 where, with OR > 1 favoring CNS infection and < 1 favoring CNS hematological disease, significantly predictive imaging features were hemorrhage (OR 24.61, p = 0.02), pathological enhancement (OR 0.17, p = 0.04) and an extra-axial location (OR 0.06, p = 0.05). In conclusion, CNS infection and hematological disease are heterogeneous entities with overlapping radiological appearances but a multivariate interaction of MR imaging features may assist in distinguishing them.

Application of Next-Generation Sequencing in Infections After Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Retrospective Study

This retrospective study aimed to determine the characteristics of infection and diagnostic efficacy of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in patients with fever after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). A total of 71 patients with fever after HSCT were enrolled in this study. Compared with conventional microbiological test (CMT), we found that the sensitivity of NGS versus CMT in peripheral blood samples was 91.2% vs. 41.2%, and that NGS required significantly less time to identify the pathogens in both monomicrobial infections (P=0.0185) and polymicrobial infections (P= 0.0027). The diagnostic performance of NGS was not affected by immunosuppressant use. Viruses are the most common pathogens associated with infections. These results indicated that the sensitivity, timeliness, and clinical significance of NGS are superior for the detection of infections. Although NGS has the advantage of identifying a wide range of potential pathogens, the positive rate is related closely to the sample type. Therefore, we recommend that, in the clinical application of NGS to detect pathogens in patients after allo-HSCT, an appropriate sample type and time should be selected and submitted to improve the positive rate and accuracy of NGS. NGS holds promise as a powerful technology for the diagnosis of fever after HSCT.

Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing vs. Traditional Pathogen Detection in the Diagnosis of Infection After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Children

Infection is a severe complication of allo-HSCT in children, however, the accurate detection of the infection is hard. In this study, we traced the records of 101 pediatric recipients with allo-HSCT to investigate the pathogens of infection, and collected 54 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, 32 blood, and 15 cerebrospinal fluid samples. In these samples, 87 was with post-transplant infection and 14 without infection. Using the metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and traditional pathogen detection, we compared their sensitivity and specificity to detect pathogens of infection. Our results showed that mNGS was more sensitive (89.7%) than conventional pathogen detection (21.8%), with a difference of 67.9% (P < 0.001), However, mNGS was less specific (78.5%) than traditional methods (92.9%), with a difference of 14.4% (P = 0.596). The sensitivity of mNGS for diagnosing pulmonary infections, bloodstream infections or viremia, and CNS infections post-transplant were 91.7, 85.7, and 90.9%, respectively. In contrast, the sensitivity of conventional testing for diagnosing pulmonary infections, bloodstream infections or viremia, and CNS infections post-transplant were 22.9, 21.4, and 18.2%, respectively. There were significant differences in the sensitivity of mNGS and conventional testing in BALF, blood, and CSF samples, with P values of 0.000, 0.000, and 0.002 respectively. Among the patients with pulmonary infection, 11 pathogens were both identified by mNGS and conventional testing, and 33 by mNGS only. The percentage with the mNGS-positive result was 44/48 (91.7%), including viruses (n = 12), bacteria (n = 17), fungi (n = 9) and mixed infections (n = 6). Among the patients diagnosed with fungal pneumonia (n = 9), the most prevalent pathogenic fungi were Pneumocystis jiroveci (n = 6), which were also detected in 4 patients with mixed infectious pneumonia. In the 28 blood specimens of patients with bloodstream infections or viremia, five patients were positive by both mNGS and conventional testing, 19 were positive by mNGS, and 1 was positive by traditional testing only. The percentage with the mNGS-positive results was 24/28 (85.7%), including viruses (n = 12), bacteria (n = 4), fungi (n = 3), and mixed infections (n = 5). Of the 15 CSF specimens enrolled, 11 patients were eventually diagnosed with CNS infections. Ten pathogens were identified by mNGS in the 11 patients, including viruses (n = 8), bacteria (n = 1), and fungi (n = 1). These results suggest that mNGS is more sensitive than conventional pathogen detection for diagnosing infections post HSCT in children which may help the clinic diagnosis. Pneumocystis jiroveci was the most frequent pathogen of pulmonary infections post-transplant, while viruses were the most common pathogens of CNS infections in allo-HSCT recipients.

Management of herpesvirus reactivations in patients with solid tumours and hematologic malignancies: update of the Guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) on herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex virus type 2, and varicella zoster virus

Clinical reactivations of herpes simplex virus or varicella zoster virus occur frequently among patients with malignancies and manifest particularly as herpes simplex stomatitis in patients with acute leukaemia treated with intensive chemotherapy and as herpes zoster in patients with lymphoma or multiple myeloma. In recent years, knowledge on reactivation rates and clinical manifestations has increased for conventional chemotherapeutics as well as for many new antineoplastic agents. This guideline summarizes current evidence on herpesvirus reactivation in patients with solid tumours and hematological malignancies not undergoing allogeneic or autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or other cellular therapy including diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic aspects. Particularly, strategies of risk adapted pharmacological prophylaxis and vaccination are outlined for different patient groups. This guideline updates the guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) from 2015 "Antiviral prophylaxis in patients with solid tumours and haematological malignancies" focusing on herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus.

Approach to fever in patients with neutropenia: a review of diagnosis and management

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is associated with mortality rates as high as 40%, highlighting the importance of appropriate clinical management in this patient population. The morbidity and mortality of FN can be attributed largely to infectious processes, with specific concern for infections caused by pathogens with antimicrobial resistance. Expeditious identification of responsible pathogens and subsequent initiation of empiric antimicrobial therapy is imperative. There are four commonly used guidelines, which have variable recommendations for empiric therapy in these populations. All agree that changes could be made once patients are stable and/or with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) over 500 cells/mcL. Diagnostic advances have the potential to improve knowledge of pathogens responsible for FN and decrease time to results. In addition, more recent data show that rapid de-escalation or discontinuation of empiric therapy, regardless of ANC, may reduce days of therapy, adverse effects, and cost, without affecting clinical outcomes. Antimicrobial and diagnostic stewardship should be performed to identify, utilize, and respond to appropriate rapid diagnostic tests that will aid in the definitive management of this population.

Cerebral lesions in hematological malignancies: a case report

Background

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rare central nervous system disease, resulting from reactivation of latent John Cunningham virus. Monoclonal antibodies have recently become a relevant risk factor for developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

Case summary

We report the case of a 62-year-old Caucasian man who was admitted to our department in June 2020 because of right homonymous hemianopia. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were first interpreted as an intracranial relapsed lymphoma, so brain biopsy was performed, but no neoplastic cell was found. Histological sample only showed a large number of macrophages. The patient came back to our attention because of the worsening of neurological symptoms. A second magnetic resonance imaging showed widespread lesions suggestive of a demyelinating process. John Cunningham virus DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction assay of the cerebrospinal fluid (over 9 million units/μL). The patient was treated supportively, but the outcome was poor.

Discussion

A multidisciplinary assessment should be performed for differential diagnosis of cerebral lesions in hematologic malignancies. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy should be suspected in cases of subacute neurological symptoms and imaging findings consistent with it, especially if the patient received immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory drugs.

Metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing in the Detection of Pathogens in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients After Alternative Donor Transplantation: A Feasibility Analysis

Central nervous system (CNS) complications can occur in 9%–15% of patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The clinical manifestations of the CNS complications are non-specific, with most of them being disturbances of consciousness, convulsions, headaches, fever, and epilepsy, making it difficult to infer the cause of the complications based on clinical manifestations. We retrospectively analyzed the sensitivity and feasibility of metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) in the diagnosis of CNS infections after allo-HSCT. Lumbar punctures were performed on 20 patients with CNS symptoms after receiving alternative donor HSCT(AD-HSCT) at the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2019 to December 2020, and their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected. The mNGS technique was used to detect pathogens in the CSF. Routine CSF testing, biochemical analyses, G experiments, GM experiments, ink staining, acid-fast staining, and bacterial cultures were carried out, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) tests were used to detect cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), BK polyomavirus (BKPyV), and human alphaherpesvirus (HHV). A total of 29 tests were performed with 21 of them being positive. Of the five negative patients, three were diagnosed with a posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, one as having transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy, and one with transient seizure caused by hypertension. Fifteen patients tested positive, of which four had single infections and eleven had mixed infections. Five cases of fungal infections, six cases of bacterial infections, and 13 cases of viral infections were detected. Among the 13 cases of viral infections, ten cases were CMV(HHV-5); three were BKPyV; two were Torque teno virus (TTV); Two were HHV-1,two were EBV(HHV4), and one each of HpyV5 and HHV-6B. Thirteen patients tested positive for virus while the qPCR detection method of 6 identical specimens were below the minimum detection limit(<1×10³ U/ml). The mNGS technique is highly sensitive, and it can be used to diagnose CNS infections after allo-HSCT.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation-Associated Neurological Complications and Their Brain MR Imaging Findings in a Pediatric Population

Simple Summary

Neurologic complications following a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be caused by various etiologies and significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. The aim of our retrospective study was to determine the prognostic indicators for HSCT-associated neurological complications in pediatric HSCT recipients using their clinical characteristics and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions. The demographics, received treatments, treatment-related morbidities, laboratory findings and brain MRI findings were reviewed and compared among 51 patients who had underwent a brain MRI due to newly developed neurological symptoms or infection signs during HSCT and follow-up period. Children with neurologic complications associated with infectious causes, malignant disease or severe brain MRI abnormalities were more likely to have poor outcome.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the prognostic indicators for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)-associated neurological complications, the clinical characteristics and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions in pediatric HSCT recipients were reviewed. Methods: This retrospective study included 51 patients who had underwent a brain MRI due to newly developed neurological symptoms or infection signs during chemotherapy or HSCT. We reviewed the demographics, received treatments, treatment-related morbidities, laboratory findings and brain MRI findings, which were compared between good and poor neurologic outcome groups. Results: Thirty-seven patients (72.5%) fully recovered from the neurologic deficits and fourteen (27.5%) persisted or aggravated. The children with an underlying malignant disease had significantly poorer neurological outcomes (p = 0.015). The neurologic complications associated with infection were more frequent in the poor outcome group (p = 0.038). In the neuroimaging findings, the extent of the white matter lesions was significantly higher in the poor outcome group, as was that of abnormal enhancement, ventriculomegaly, cortical change, deep gray matter abnormalities and cerebellar abnormalities. Conclusion: Most children with neurologic complications and neuroimaging abnormalities during HSCT had recovered. However, children with neurologic complications associated with infectious causes, malignant disease or severe brain MRI abnormalities should be more carefully monitored during HSCT.

Aseptic Meningitis after Recovery from SARS-CoV-2 in an Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Recipient

SARS-CoV-2 emerged as a worldwide pandemic in late 2019 and initially was described as a primary respiratory illness. The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are now known to encompass nearly all organ systems, including the central nervous system. We present a case of an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient who recovered from documented SARS-CoV-2 infection and later presented with symptoms of meningitis. While cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not reveal any bacterial or viral etiologies, evidence of an inflammatory state, including ophthalmologic findings of episcleritis, indicate what is likely the first reported case of aseptic meningitis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection after initial clinical recovery.

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing for identifying pathogens in central nervous system complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

A prospective study was conducted to compare metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and conventional testing in investigating the pathogens of central nervous system (CNS) infections in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients. A total of 53 patients with CNS disorders after allo-HSCT were enrolled in this study. A total of 35 patients were diagnosed as CNS infections, including 28 viral, 2 bacterial, 1 fungal, 3 mixed infections, and 1 infection with unknown pathogen. Among these 35 patients with CNS infections, mNGS identified 5 patients who were not identified by conventional testing. For the remaining 30 infections, mNGS made concurrent diagnoses with conventional testing in 29, while 1 was diagnosed according to the good response to the antimicrobial treatment without etiological evidence. The presence of Aspergillus detected by mNGS only in one patient was considered false positive due to lack of validation. The sensitivity of mNGS and conventional testing for diagnosing CNS infections post transplant were 97.1% and 82.9%, respectively (P = 0.106), while the specificity of mNGS and conventional testing were 94.4% and 100%, respectively (P = 1.000). These results suggest that mNGS might be a promising technology for diagnosis of CNS infections post transplant. Viruses were the most common pathogens of CNS infections in allo-HSCT recipients.

Neuroimaging of CNS infection in haematological malignancy: important signs and common diagnostic pitfalls

Patients with haematological malignancy are at increased risk of developing central nervous system (CNS) infections, which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Neuroimaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnostic pathway of these patients; however, layers of complexity are added to image interpretation by the heterogeneity in imaging manifestations of haematological malignancies in the CNS, overlapping imaging features of CNS infection, treatment-related parenchymal changes and the presence of intracranial comorbidity. In this article, we review important intracranial findings of CNS infection cases accrued in 1,855 studies over more than a decade at a specialist tertiary centre. We offer schema to identify common and important neuroimaging features, discuss key differential diagnoses and frequent diagnostic pitfalls.

Neurological complications of pediatric cancer

Both the onset of various malignancies as well as the treatment of cancer can lead to neurologic symptoms which can be difficult to diagnose. In this review, we highlight the varied ways in which neurologic sequelae of cancer and its treatment manifest in children. Initial neurologic presentation may be secondary to mass effect or to immune-mediated paraneoplastic syndromes. Treatment effects on the nervous system may arise from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or bone marrow transplantation. In addition, the rapidly expanding field of immunotherapies for cancer has generated numerous new approaches to eradicating cancer including monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells), which have neurologic side effects mediated by immune responses that are also being recognized. Here we review common consult questions to the neurologist and our general approach to these scenarios including altered mental status, headaches, seizures, and sensorimotor complaints, considering the multifactorial nature of each.

Prophylaxis, diagnosis and therapy of infections in patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. 2020 update of the recommendations of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO)

To ensure the safety of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDC/ASCT), evidence-based recommendations on infectious complications after HDC/ASCT are given. This guideline not only focuses on patients with haematological malignancies but also addresses the specifics of HDC/ASCT patients with solid tumours or autoimmune disorders. In addition to HBV and HCV, HEV screening is nowadays mandatory prior to ASCT. For patients with HBs antigen and/or anti-HBc antibody positivity, HBV nucleic acid testing is strongly recommended for 6 months after HDC/ASCT or for the duration of a respective maintenance therapy. Prevention of VZV reactivation by vaccination is strongly recommended. Cotrimoxazole for the prevention of Pneumocystis jirovecii is supported. Invasive fungal diseases are less frequent after HDC/ASCT, therefore, primary systemic antifungal prophylaxis is not recommended. Data do not support a benefit of protective room ventilation e.g. HEPA filtration. Thus, AGIHO only supports this technique with marginal strength. Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis is recommended to prevent bacterial infections, although a survival advantage has not been demonstrated.

Toxoplasmic Encephalitis Followed by Primary EBV-Associated Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder of the Central Nervous System in a Patient Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: A Case Report

Toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS-PTLD) are major complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT); both are fatal without timely diagnosis and disease-specific treatment. Differential diagnosis of TE and CNS-PTLD can be challenging because brain biopsy, a gold standard for diagnosis, is sometimes not possible, owing to poor patient condition after allo-SCT. Here, we describe a case of isolated CNS-PTLD arising during the therapeutic course of TE. A 51-year-old man was admitted with mental abnormalities and fever on Day 106 after allo-SCT to treat myelodysplastic syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple nodular and ring-enhanced lesions in the brain, and the result of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Toxoplasma gondii in cerebrospinal fluid was positive; therefore, he was diagnosed with TE. Anti-Toxoplasma therapy led to clinical improvement, and the result of subsequent PCR was negative. However, he developed left-sided hemiplegia on Day 306. Head MRI revealed a new lesion and a growing lesion, presenting as ring-enhanced nodules. Brain biopsy was performed, and a pathologic diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus-associated CNS-PTLD was made. There was no evidence of TE. He was treated successfully by reducing immunosuppressants, followed by rituximab administration and a donor lymphocyte infusion, resulting in complete remission. While T.gondii-specific PCR has great value for diagnosis of TE, CNS-PTLD can be diagnosed only by brain biopsy; hence, brain biopsy may be warranted in cases of suspected PTLD.

Monocenter study on epidemiology, outcomes, and risk factors of infections in recipients of 166 allogeneic stem cell transplantations during 1 year

OBJECTIVES

During allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT), infections significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. A monocentric prospective analysis was performed to assess epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes of infections during the peri-transplant period.

METHODS

Data were recorded prospectively using a predefined questionnaire.

RESULTS

In 2015, 163 consecutive patients, 37.4% female, median age 59 (range 18-79) years received 166 allo-SCT. Median duration of leukopenia <10⁹ /L was 14.5 days (range 4-43 days). Fever of unknown origin (FUO) occurred in 118/166 patients (71.1%). Severe sepsis developed in 95, and septic shock developed in 26 patients. Intensive diagnostic workup helped to identify causative microorganisms only in a small number of infectious courses. All but 13 patients needed antibiotic therapy, each according to the standard operating procedures of the department. Cumulative incidence of death by infection after 1 year was 16.6% (95% CI: 11.3-22.7). The only risk factor for FUO in neutropenia was duration of neutropenia </≥14 days (55.4% vs 85.5%, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Results of an elaborate diagnostic workup of infections in the peri-transplant period are scarce. Attention to risk factors might help to identify patients at risk for severe infections.

Treatment of invasive fungal diseases in cancer patients-Revised 2019 Recommendations of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology (DGHO)

BACKGROUND

Invasive fungal diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients undergoing intensive cytotoxic therapy. The choice of the most appropriate antifungal treatment (AFT) depends on the fungal species suspected or identified, the patient's risk factors (eg length and depth of granulocytopenia) and the expected side effects.

OBJECTIVES

Since the last edition of recommendations for 'Treatment of invasive fungal infections in cancer patients' of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) in 2013, treatment strategies were gradually moving away from solely empirical therapy of presumed or possible invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) towards pre-emptive therapy of probable IFD.

METHODS

The guideline was prepared by German clinical experts for infections in cancer patients in a stepwise consensus process. MEDLINE was systematically searched for English-language publications from January 1975 up to September 2019 using the key terms such as 'invasive fungal infection' and/or 'invasive fungal disease' and at least one of the following: antifungal agents, cancer, haematological malignancy, antifungal therapy, neutropenia, granulocytopenia, mycoses, aspergillosis, candidosis and mucormycosis.

RESULTS

AFT of IFDs in cancer patients may include not only antifungal agents but also non-pharmacologic treatment. In addition, the armamentarium of antifungals for treatment of IFDs has been broadened (eg licensing of isavuconazole). Additional antifungals are currently under investigation or in clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, updated recommendations for the treatment of proven or probable IFDs are given. All recommendations including the levels of evidence are summarised in tables to give the reader rapid access to key information.

Diagnosing acute encephalitis in patients with hematological disorders: caveats and pitfalls

The aim of this study was to review the quality of the diagnostic work-up for acute encephalitis carried out at our center in a cohort of patients with hematological disorders. Our data showed substantial heterogeneity in investigating patients. Not all patients had their CSF tested for viruses commonly responsible for encephalitis in immunocompetent individuals (e.g., VZV, enterovirus). A blood sample for the calculation of the CSF/blood replication ratio was collected in 74% of cases. CSF cultures and immunophenotyping of CSF cells were performed in 77% and 21% of patients, respectively. A multidisciplinary consensus is needed to improve current guidelines and standardize diagnostic protocols.

Central nervous system disorders after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a prospective study of the Infectious Diseases Working Party of EBMT

We performed a prospective study to evaluate the types and characteristics of central nervous system (CNS) disorders in patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The study included 163 episodes of CNS disorders of which 58 (36%) were infections. Proven or probable infections were documented in 34 patients and included fungi (n = 10, 29%), viruses (n = 12, 35%), Toxoplasma spp. (n = 9, 27%) and bacteria (n = 3, 9%). Non-infectious neurological disorders (n = 105, 64%) frequently encompassed metabolic/drug-induced abnormalities (n = 28, 27%) or cerebral vascular events (n = 22, 21%). Median onset times were later for infectious (day + 101) vs non-infectious neurological disorders (day + 50, p = 0.009). An unremarkable cranial CT scan was found in 33% of infection episodes. Absence of cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis despite a normal or increased peripheral blood white blood cell count occurred in 26% of infections. Day-30 mortality rates were significantly higher for fungal (87%) vs non-fungal infections (40%, p < 0.001). Significantly higher mortality rates were also documented for cerebral vascular events than for other non-infectious disorders (86% vs 34%, p < 0.001). Our prospective study shows that diagnostic findings in CNS infections might differ between hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and immunocompetent hosts. Special awareness and timely initiation of adequate diagnostics are crucial to improve the prognosis of these patients.

CNS Infections in Immunoincompetent Patients : Neuroradiological and Clinical Features

In patients with immunodeficiency the pathogen spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) infections is broader and different from that of immunocompetent patients. Numerous opportunistic infections are characterized by a high prevalence of viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens, and depend on the type of impaired immune defense, for example impaired T‑cell or monocyte function, monoclonal antibody treatment, and impaired granulocyte function. Neuroradiological features as well as laboratory findings are often different and versatile in comparison to immunocompetent individuals and pathognomonic imaging findings do not exist; however, knowledge of possible pathways of pathogens in the CNS and preferred tissue affection may help in narrowing down differential diagnoses. Therefore, knowledge of the type of patient and the performed immunomodulatory therapy is essential for the neuroradiological assessment and the differential diagnostic considerations. Moreover, parenchymal reactions in the sense of an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) can occur when immunocompetence is restored. This review focus on the most common pathologies in immunocompromised patients, and an overview of imaging features but also of pathology and clinical aspects is given. The synopsis of anamnestic information, clinical findings and structured analysis of the lesion pattern, its spread and short-term follow-up may increase the correct diagnostic classification; however, the gold standard is still determination of the pathogen in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood cultures or biopsies.

Toxoplasma gondii-induced brachial plexus neuropathy after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Brachial plexus neuropathy is a rare, but underdiagnosed condition, characterized by intense analgesic-resistant shoulder pain, followed by brachial plexus paresis and sensory symptoms. We present a case of brachial plexus neuropathy, induced by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) 17 days after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia. The diagnosis was made based on the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brachial plexus, and positive T. gondii polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in cerebrospinal fluid. The patient was treated with pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and levofolinic acid during 6 weeks, with a positive outcome.

Noninfectious Neurologic Complications after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Although allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) can be associated with neurologic complications, data on noninfectious etiologies are scanty. Therefore, we analyzed the incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and influence on outcomes of noninfectious neurologic complications (NCs) in 971 consecutive patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing allo-HSCT at our center between January 2000 and December 2016. We evaluated NCs affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The median duration of follow-up of survivors was 71 months (range, 11 to 213 months). A total of 467 patients received a matched sibling donor (MSD) transplant, 381 received umbilical cord blood (UCB), 74 received a haploidentical transplant, and 49 received a matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplant. One hundred forty-nine (15.3%) NCs were documented at a median of 78 days after transplantation (range, 5 days before to 3722 days after). The cumulative incidence risk of developing NC was 7.5% (95% confidence interval, 6% to 8.2%) at day +90 and 13% at 5 years. The 5-year cumulative incidence of NCs was 10.8% after MSD allo-HSCT and 15.3% after alternative donor (UCB, MUD, haploidentical) allo-HSCT (P = .004). There were 101 (68%) CNS complications, including encephalopathy, n = 46 (31%); headache, n = 20 (13%); stroke, n = 15 (10%); seizures, n = 9 (6%), posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, n = 6 (4%), and myelopathy, n = 5 (3%). PNS complications (32%) included neuropathies, n = 25 (17%), and myopathies and neuromuscular junction disorders, n = 23 (17%), with 17% of the total PNS complications being immune-related. In multivariable analysis, donor type other than MSD, age ≥40 years, development of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) grade II-IV (hazard ratio [HR], 3.3; P < .00001), and extensive chronic GVHD (HR, 3.2; P = .0002) were independently associated with increased risk of NCs. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 21% in patients who developed NCs and 41% for those who did not (P < .0001). This difference in OS was observed in patients developing CNS NCs, but not in those developing PNS complications. In conclusion, our study reveals NCs as a frequent and heterogeneous complication that, when affecting CNS, is associated with poor prognosis following allo-HSCT.

Management of sepsis in neutropenic cancer patients: 2018 guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) and Intensive Care Working Party (iCHOP) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO)

Sepsis and septic shock are major causes of mortality during chemotherapy-induced neutropenia for malignancies requiring urgent treatment. Thus, awareness of the presenting characteristics and prompt management is most important. Improved management of sepsis during neutropenia may reduce the mortality of cancer therapies. However, optimal management may differ between neutropenic and non-neutropenic patients. The aim of the current guideline is to give evidence-based recommendations for hematologists, oncologists, and intensive care physicians on how to manage adult patients with neutropenia and sepsis.

Management of febrile neutropenia in the perspective of antimicrobial de-escalation and discontinuation

Introduction: Infections are among the most frequent complications in patients with hematological and oncological diseases. They might be classified as fever of unknown origin and microbiologically or clinically documented infections. Optimal duration of antimicrobial treatment is still unclear in these patients.Areas covered: We provide an overview on the management of febrile neutropenia in the perspective of antimicrobial de-escalation and discontinuation.Expert opinion: Patients with febrile high-risk neutropenia should be treated empirically with an anti-pseudomonal agent such as piperacillin/tazobactam. Several clinical studies support the assumption that the primary antibiotic regimen might be safely discontinued prior to neutrophil reconstitution if the patient is afebrile for several days and all infection-related symptoms have been resolved. Primary empirical treatment with carbapenems or antibiotic combinations should commonly only be considered in selected patient subgroups, such as patients with severe neutropenic sepsis or colonization with multidrug-resistant bacteria. Preemptive antifungal treatment guided by lung imaging and other parameters (e.g. serial Aspergillus galactomannan antigen screening) might reduce the consumption of antifungals compared to the classical empirical approach.Multidrug-resistant pathogens are emerging, and novel anti-infective agents under development are scarce. Therefore, a rational use of antimicrobials based on the principles of antibiotic stewardship is crucial.

Fungal infections of the central nervous system and paranasal sinuses in onco-haematologic patients. Epidemiological study reporting the diagnostic-therapeutic approach and outcome in 89 cases

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) of the Central Nervous System (IFI-CNS) and Paranasal Sinuses (IFI-PS) are rare, life-threatening infections in haematologic patients, and their management remains a challenge despite the availability of new diagnostic techniques and novel antifungal agents. In addition, analyses of large cohorts of patients focusing on these rare IFI are still lacking. Between January 2010 and December 2016, 89 consecutive cases of Proven (53) or Probable (36) IFI-CNS (71/89) and IFI-PS (18/89) were collected in 34 haematological centres. The median age was 40 years (range 5-79); acute leukaemia was the most common underlying disease (69%) and 29% of cases received a previous allogeneic stem cell transplant. Aspergillus spp. were the most common pathogens (69%), followed by mucormycetes (22%), Cryptococcus spp. (4%) and Fusarium spp. (2%). The lung was the primary focus of fungal infection (48% of cases). The nervous system biopsy was performed in 10% of IFI-CNS, and a sinus biopsy was performed in 56% of IFI-PS (P = 0.03). The Galactomannan test on cerebrospinal fluid has been performed in 42% of IFI-CNS (30/71), and it was positive in 67%. Eighty-four pts received a first-line antifungal therapy with Amphotericine B in 58% of cases, Voriconazole in 31% and both in 11%. Moreover, 58% of patients received 2 or more lines of therapy and 38% were treated with a combination of 2 or more antifungal drugs. The median duration of antifungal therapy was 60 days (range 5-835). A surgical intervention was performed in 26% of cases but only 10% of IFI-CNS underwent neurosurgical intervention. The overall response rate to antifungal therapy (complete or partial response) was 57%, and 1-year overall survival was 32% without significant differences between IFI-CNS and IFI-PS. The overall mortality was 69% but the IFI attributable mortality was 33%. Mortality of IFI-CNS/PS remains high but, compared to previous historical data, it seems to be reduced probably due to the availability of newer antifungal drugs. The results arising from this large contemporary cohort of cases may allow a more effective diagnostic and therapeutic management of these very rare IFI complications in haematologic patients.

Early and late complications following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients - A retrospective analysis over 11 years

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been an effective method for treating a wide range of malignant or non-malignant disorders. In case of an autologous HSCT, patients receive their own stem cells after myeloablation before extraction. Allogeneic HSCT uses stem cells derived from a donor. Despite being associated with a high risk of early and long-term complications, it is often the last curative option. 229 pediatric patients, who between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2015 received an HSCT at the University Children’s Hospital Wuerzburg, were studied. Correlations between two groups were calculated with the Chi square test or with a 2x2-contingency table. To calculate metric variables, the Mann-Whitney-U-test was used. Survival curves were calculated according to Kaplan and Meier. Significance was assumed for results with a p-value <0.05 (CI (Confident Interval) 95%). We retrospectively analyzed 229 pediatric patients (105 females, 124 males) for early and late complications of allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Median age at HSCT was seven years. Underlying diseases were leukemia (n = 73), lymphoma (n = 22), solid tumor (n = 65), CNS (central nervous system)- tumor (n = 41), and “other diseases” (n = 28). Survival times, overall survival, and event-free survival were calculated. Of all patients, 80.8% experienced complications of some degree, including mild and transient complications. Allo-HSCT (allogeneic HSCT) carried a significantly higher risk of complications than auto-HSCT (autologous HSCT) (n = 118 vs. n = 67; p = < .001) and the remission rate after allo-HSCT was also higher (58.7% vs. 44,7%; p = .032). Especially infection rates and pulmonary complications are different between auto- and allo-HSCT. Leukemia patients had the highest risk of early and late complications (95,0%; p < .001). Complications within HSCT are major risk factors following morbidity and mortality. In order to detect complications and risk factors early, strict recordings are needed to reduce the rate of complication by recognition and prevention of triggering factors. In the future, these factors should receive greater attention in the planning of HSCT post-transplantation care in order to improve the results of the transplantation and establish protocols to prevent their occurrence.

Central nervous system infections in immunocompromised patients

Diagnosis of CNS infections remains a great challenge in immunocompromised patients with solid cancer or hematological disorders, as it happens with transplant recipients, since symptoms might both be masked and be mimicked by other conditions such as metabolic disturbances or consequences of antineoplastic treatment and the administration of immunosuppressive drugs. Thus, awareness of this complication is crucial and any suspicion of a CNS infection should lead to make an early diagnosis and to choose an appropriate empirical treatment to improve the outcome in this population.

Update in Infectious Diseases 2018

VIII Updating Course of Antimicrobials and Infectious Diseases has reviewed useful microbiological, epidemiological and clinical aspects for a current approach of infectious pathology. Present manuscript summarizes a chronicle about the main infection related meetings during 2017 (ECCMID, IAS, ASM and ID Week). In addition, the course proposed a practical approach for understanding different type of pathogens and our selected topics this year were the epidemiology of bacterial nosocomial infection, a practical approach to Clostridium difficile infection patients, a two year selection of the top ten papers about fungal infection and an update in fungal biofilms. Finally, proffesors made a practical approach by main clinical syndromes like sepsis, infections in oncohematological patients, CNS infections in immunosuppressed patients and reviewed the top ten papers in transplant infectious diseases and infection control during the last two years.

Anti-infective treatment of brain abscess

INTRODUCTION

Brain abscess is an uncommon and potentially life-threatening infection of the CNS that can be caused by a range of different pathogens including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. A multidisciplinary approach is important and anti-infective treatment remains crucial. Here, we review anti-infective treatment of brain abscess. Areas covered: We used the terms '(Brain abscess[ti] AND (antibiotic* OR treatment)) NOT case report'), to conduct a search in the PubMed. Additional papers were identified by cross-reference checking and by browsing textbooks of infectious diseases and neurology.

COMMENTARY

Empiric treatment of bacterial brain abscess consists of cefotaxime and metronidazole with the addition of vancomycin if meticilline-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is suspected. For severely immuno-suppressed patients, for example transplant recipients, voriconazole and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or sulfadiazine should be added. Increased knowledge of the pharmacokinetic profile of anti-infective treatments may help to improve the treatment of brain abscess. Future studies should address efficacy and safety of continuous abscess drainage, mode of anti-infective administration (continuous vs. bolus), and anti-infective treatments in immuno-suppressed patients.

Central nervous system infections in immunocompromised patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although rare, central nervous system (CNS) infections are increasingly being recognized in immunocompromised patients. The goal of the present review is to provide a practical diagnostic approach for the intensivist, and to briefly discuss some of the most prevalent conditions.

RECENT FINDINGS

Immunocompromised patients presenting with new neurological symptoms should always be suspected of a CNS infection. These infections carry a poor prognosis, especially if intracranial hypertension, severely altered mental status or seizures are present. Clinical examination and serum blood tests should be followed by brain imaging, and when no contra-indications are present, a lumbar puncture including cerebrospinal fluid PCR to identify causative organisms. Empirical therapy depends on the type of immunodeficiency. In HIV-infected patients, the most common CNS infection is cerebral toxoplasmosis, whereas in other immunocompromised patients, aspergillosis, cryptococcal meningitis and tuberculous meningitis are more prevalent. Multiple pathogens can be detected in up to 15% of patients. The diagnostic value of fast multiplex PCR has yet to be evaluated in this setting.

SUMMARY

CNS infections represent a rare but severe complication in immunocompromised patients. A systematic approach including early diagnosis, appropriate antimicrobial treatment, early ICU admission and aggressive measures to reduce intracranial pressure may improve outcome.

Cytomegalovirus establishes a latent reservoir and triggers long-lasting inflammation in the eye

Recent outbreaks of Ebola and Zika have highlighted the possibility that viruses may cause enduring infections in tissues like the eye, including the neural retina, which have been considered immune privileged. Whether this is a peculiarity of exotic viruses remains unclear, since the impact of more common viral infections on neural compartments has not been examined, especially in immunocompetent hosts. Cytomegalovirus is a common, universally distributed pathogen, generally innocuous in healthy individuals. Whether in immunocompetent hosts cytomegalovirus can access the eye, and reside there indefinitely, was unknown. Using the well-established murine cytomegalovirus infection model, we show that systemic infection of immunocompetent hosts results in broad ocular infection, chronic inflammation and establishment of a latent viral pool in the eye. Infection leads to infiltration and accumulation of anti-viral CD8+ T cells in the eye, and to the development of tissue resident memory T cells that localize to the eye, including the retina. These findings identify the eye as an unexpected reservoir for cytomegalovirus, and suggest that common viruses may target this organ more frequently than appreciated. Notably, they also highlight that infection triggers sustained inflammatory responses in the eye, including the neural retina.

Consensus statement for cancer patients requiring intensive care support

This consensus statement is directed to intensivists, hematologists, and oncologists caring for critically ill cancer patients and focuses on the management of these patients.

Neurological complications of hematopoietic cell transplantation in children and adults

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is widely performed for neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. HCT involves intravenous infusion of hematopoietic progenitor cells from human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donor (allogeneic) or from the patient (autologous). Before HCT, the patient is prepared with high dose chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy to destroy residual malignant cells and to reduce immunologic resistance. After HCT, chemotherapy is used to prevent graft rejection and graft versus host disease (GvHD). Neurological complications are related to the type of HCT, underlying disease, toxicity of the conditioning regimens, immunosuppression caused by conditioning regimens, vascular complications generated by thrombocytopenia and/or coagulopathy, GvHD and inappropriate immune response. In this review, neurological complications are presented according to time of onset after HCT: (1) early complications (in the first month) - related to harvesting of stem cells, during conditioning (drug toxicity, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome), related to pancytopenia, (2) intermediate phase complications (second to sixth month) - central nervous system infections caused by prolonged neutropenia and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy due to JC virus, (3) late phase complications (after sixth month) - neurological complications of GvHD, second neoplasms and relapses of the original disease.

Central nervous system complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloSCT) is a potentially curative modality of treatment for patients with hematological malignancies. However, CNS complications following transplant pose a risk to survival of the patients. Early recognition and management of these complications are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality of patients following transplant. Early CNS complications associated with alloSCT are infection, cerebrovascular events, chemotherapy and radiation-induced toxicities while late complications include post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, CNS relapse of underlying malignancy and viral and fungal infections. Development of graft-versus-host disease can further increase the risk of CNS complications and outcomes after alloSCT. Strategies aimed to reduce the risk of CNS complications and early management may ameliorate the morbidity and mortality in transplant recipients.

Diagnosis and empirical treatment of fever of unknown origin (FUO) in adult neutropenic patients: guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO)

Fever may be the only clinical symptom at the onset of infection in neutropenic cancer patients undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy. A prompt and evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic approach is mandatory. A systematic search of current literature was conducted, including only full papers and excluding allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Recommendations for diagnosis and therapy were developed by an expert panel and approved after plenary discussion by the AGIHO. Randomized clinical trials were mainly available for therapeutic decisions, and new diagnostic procedures have been introduced into clinical practice in the past decade. Stratification into a high-risk versus low-risk patient population is recommended. In high-risk patients, initial empirical antimicrobial therapy should be active against pathogens most commonly involved in microbiologically documented and most threatening infections, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but excluding coagulase-negative staphylococci. In patients whose expected duration of neutropenia is more than 7 days and who do not respond to first-line antibacterial treatment, specifically in the absence of mold-active antifungal prophylaxis, further therapy should be directed also against fungi, in particular Aspergillus species. With regard to antimicrobial stewardship, treatment duration after defervescence in persistently neutropenic patients must be critically reconsidered and the choice of anti-infective agents adjusted to local epidemiology. This guideline updates recommendations for diagnosis and empirical therapy of fever of unknown origin in adult neutropenic cancer patients in light of the challenges of antimicrobial stewardship.

Cryptococcosis in patients with hematological diseases: a 14-year retrospective clinical analysis in a Chinese tertiary hospital

Background

Cryptococcal infection has become a public health challenge globally. However, information about cryptococcal infection in patients with hematological diseases remains relatively rare.

Methods

HIV-uninfected cryptococcosis cases with hematological diseases admitted to Huashan Hospital from January 2001 to December 2014 were reviewed.

Results

In total, 33 cryptococcosis patients were enrolled, including 12 malignant and 21 non-malignant hematological cases. Twenty-six patients had central nervous system (CNS) involvement, which was observed more often in patients with non-malignancies than with malignancies (20/21 vs. 6/12, P = 0.001) Most patients (25/26) with CNS infection were confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture or smear, and 100% (20/20) of them tested positive for the CSF cryptococcal antigen test. Eighteen out of 26 cryptococcal meningitis patients were treated with amphotericin B (AmB)-based therapy, 16 of them with AmB deoxycholate (d-AmB) and 2 patients with liposomal AmB. The clinical success rate was 55.6%. D-AmB was well-tolerated at 0.35–0.59 mg/kg/d (median 0.43 mg/kg/d) and only 12 patients had mild adverse events.

Conclusions

CNS cryptococcal infection was more frequent in patients with hematological non-malignancies, and cryptococcal antigen test as well as the CSF fungal culture or smear are suggested for early diagnosis. D-AmB could be used as an alternative therapy for CNS-infected patients with hematological diseases.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-017-2561-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Ruxolitinib in myelofibrosis: to be or not to be an immune disruptor

Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm classified according to the 2016 revision of World Health Organization Classification of Tumors and Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissue. Ruxolitinib is an oral inhibitor of Janus kinase approved in the USA for the treatment of intermediate or high-risk PMF and approved in Europe for the treatment of splenomegaly and constitutional symptoms of the disease. More recently, case reports described serious opportunistic infections in this neoplasm treated with ruxolitinib. Research studies demonstrated the immunological derangement of this compound mainly based on T, dendritic, and natural killer cell defects. The purpose of this review of the literature was to analyze the relationship among ruxolitinib, immune system and bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoan infections. A literature search was conducted using PubMed articles published between January 2010 and November 2016. The efficacy of drug in patients with PMF was demonstrated in two phase III studies, Controlled MyeloFibrosis Study with ORal Jak inhibitor Treatment (COMFORT-I and COMFORT-II). Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia were recognized in 7.1% and 2% of patients in the ruxolitinib and placebo arm of COMFORT-I. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or leukopenia were observed in 8.9% and 6.3% of ruxolitinib treated patients of 5-year follow-up of COMFORT-II. In addition, leukocyte subpopulations, lymphocyte functions, or antibody deficiency were not documented in either of the studies. The complex interactions between ruxolitinib, bone marrow, immune system, and infections in PMF need further investigation, robust data from a randomized clinical trial, registry, or large case-series.

Molecular diagnosis of invasive mycoses of the central nervous system

INTRODUCTION

In September 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began investigating an outbreak of fungal meningitis among patients who had received contaminated preservative-free methyl prednisolone acetate injections from the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Massachusetts. Thousands of patients were potentially exposed to tainted corticosteroids, but establishing the diagnosis of fungal meningitis during the nationwide outbreak was difficult because little was known about the natural history of the disease. Areas covered: The challenges associated with this outbreak highlighted the need for rapid and reliable methodologies to assist in the diagnosis of invasive mycoses of the central nervous system (IMCNS), which may be devastating and difficult to treat. In this paper, we review the causative agents of these potentially-lethal infections, which include cryptococcal meningitis, cerebral aspergillosis, and hematogenous Candida meningoencephalitis. Expert commentary: While microscopy, culture, and histopathologic identification of fungal pathogens remain the gold standard for diagnosis, new platforms and species-specific assays have recently emerged, including lateral flow immunoassays (LFA), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and multiplex PCR in conjunction with magnetic resonance (MR) to potentially aid in the diagnosis of IMCNS.

Infections of the Central Nervous System after Unrelated Donor Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation or Human Leukocyte Antigen-Matched Sibling Transplantation

We analyzed the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and outcome of central nervous system (CNS) infections in consecutive patients with receiving umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) (n = 343) or HLA-matched sibling donor stem cell transplantation (MST) (n = 366). Thirty-four CNS infections were documented at a median time of 116 days after transplantation (range, 7 to 1161). The cumulative incidence (CI) risk of developing a CNS infection was .6% at day +30, 2.3% at day +90, and 4.9% at 5 years. The 5-year CI of CNS infection was 8.2% after UCBT and 1.7% after MST (P < .001). The causative micro-organisms of CNS infections were fungi (35%), virus (32%), Toxoplasma spp. (12%), and bacteria (12%). Fungal infections occurred in 11 patients after UCBT and 1 after MST and were due to Aspergillus spp. (n = 8), Cryptococcus neoformans (n = 2), Scedosporium prolificans (n = 1), and Mucor (n = 1). Except for 1 patient, all died from CNS fungal infection. Viral infections occurred in 9 patients after UCBT and 1 after MST and were due to human herpes virus 6 (n = 7), cytomegalovirus (n = 2), and varicella zoster virus (n = 1). CNS toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in 3 patients after UCBT and 1 after MST. Other pathogens were Staphylococcus spp, Nocardia spp, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Twenty of the 34 patients (59%) died from the CNS infection. In multivariable analysis, UCBT and disease stage beyond first complete remission were independently associated with the risk of developing CNS infections. The 5-year overall survival was 19% in patients who developed a CNS and 39% for those who did not (P = .006). In conclusion, our study showed that CNS infections are a significant clinical problem after stem cell transplantation associated with poor survival. They were more frequent after UCBT compared to MST.