SYSTEMIC CANDIDIASIS IN PATIENTS WITH ACU TE-LEUKEMIA

This prospective study evaluated the incidence of systemic candidiasis in leukemia patients versus control patients with other malignancies treated by a variety of chemotherapy regimens; The case group included 36 leukemia patients admitted between May 1990 and December 1991; 20 cases had acute myeloid leukemia and 16 had lymphoblastic leukemia. Sy stemic candidiasis was diagnosed in 10 cases, of which all had acute m yeloid leukemia, versus none of the controls. Risk factors for systemi c candidiasis are discussed. Routine oropharyngeal decontamination sho uld be performed during the phase of bone marrow suppression. Close cl inical, mycological, and serological monitoring is needed to ensure pr ompt detection of systemic candidiasis.