Infections in Hematology, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2015

Infections are among the most frequent complications in patients with hematological malignancies and in those undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A profound knowledge on the epidemiology, diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities and prophylactic strategies is essential for the clinical management of these complications in patients who are often severely immunocompromised owing to their underlying diseases and in particular, the intensive myelosuppressive chemo and immunotherapy. This textbook provides a clinically oriented, compact and up-to-date overview on infections in hematology patients and their management. The typical pathogens to be considered in different subgroups of patients are identified and further aspects of the microbiological background are explored. Clinical, imaging, and laboratory-based diagnostic techniques are discussed and therapeutic strategies appropriate to different situations are then presented, with due attention to the pitfalls, toxicities and interactions that can arise during antimicrobial treatment. Strategies to prevent infection are also outlined, encompassing antimicrobial prophylaxis, isolation procedures, hospital hygiene, protective immunization and the use of hematopoietic growth factors.

Infections in Patients with Acute Leukemia.- Infections in Patients with Malignant Lymphomas.- Consequences from specific treatment modalities.- Infections after high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.- Microbiological Background.- The Diagnostic Approach to the Febrile Neutropenic Patient: Clinical Considerations.- Diagnostic Radiology in Hematological Patients with Febrile Neutropenia.- Risk Stratification in Febrile Neutropenic Patients.- Fever of Unknown Origin: Treatment According to Risk Assessment.- Pulmonary Complications.- Vascular Catheter-Related Infections.- Gastrointestinal Complications.- Central Nervous System Infections.- Antibacterial Agents.- Antifungal Agents.- Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Hematology.- Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology in Hematology Units.- Myeloid Growth Factors.