INFECTIONS IN HEMATOLOGY

- A clinically oriented, compact, and up-to-date overview on all aspects of infections in hematology patients
- Identifies the typical pathogens to be considered in different subgroups of patients
- Presents clinical, imaging and laboratory-based diagnostic techniques and discusses the therapeutic strategies appropriate to different situations
- Considers various prophylactic strategies

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.

Table of contents (18 chapters)
1.Infections in Patients with Acute Leukemia
2.Infections in Patients with Malignant Lymphomas
3.Consequences from Specific Treatment Modalities
4.Infections After High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
5.Microbiological Background
6.The Diagnostic Approach to the Febrile Neutropenic Patient: Clinical Considerations
7.Diagnostic Radiology in Hematological Patients with Febrile Neutropenia
8.Risk Stratification in Febrile Neutropenic Patients
9.Fever of Unknown Origin: Treatment According to Risk Assessment
10.Pulmonary Complications
11.Vascular Catheter-Related Infections
12.Gastrointestinal Complications
13.Central Nervous System Infections
14.Antibacterial Agents