Prophylaxis of invasive aspergillosis with caspofungin during construction works in patient with acute lymphoblasic leukemia treated with vincristin
Abstract
Background: The treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults with UKALL XII regimen including vincristin is aggressive. Invasive aspergillosis is a common life-treatening infection in patients with acute leukemia. The presence of construction works near hospital wards is an important risk factor for the development of invasive aspergillosis. Case presentation: A 59-year old woman with common ALL relapsed after 22 years (normal cytogenetics). She was treated according to the UKALL XII regimen and achieved complete second remission. She received four cycles of vincristine 2 mg i.v. In a retrospective cohort study, prolonged neutropenia, use of steroids, nursing unit without laminar air flow during a period of construction works were associated with an increased incidence of invasive aspergillosis in patients who did not receive primary antifungal prophylaxis. Intravenous caspofungin was administered to the patient as primary aspergillosis prophylaxis on the first day of chemotherapy. Galactomannan antigen tests were negative during the period of neutropenia. There was no infection in the period of prolonged neutropenia. Conclusions: The author discusses primary prophylaxis of invasive aspergillosis with caspofungin during construction works in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with vincristine. Because of non-conventional unit without laminar air flow during induction chemotherapy treatment, which leads to an increased risk of invasive fungal infection with Aspergillus, caspofungin prophylaxis is recommended at least until upgrade to laminar flow or cessation of construction works.Downloads
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