Causes of death in adults with acute leukemia.

摘要: The causes of death were investigated in 315 adults with acute leukemia during a 7-year period (1966-1972). Infection alone or combination was the most common cause (75%), followed by hemorrhage (24%) and organ failure (9%). Most infections either systemic pulmonary. Seventy-five percent 72% pneumonias caused bacteria. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli Pseudomonas aeruginosa frequent organisms isolated. After 1968, there sharp decrease number fatal marked increase incidence spp. E. coli. Infections Gram-positive cocci occurred only 3% cases. fungal 13%; fungi causing infection Candida Aspergillus Eighty-five 159 patients terminal neutrophil count less than 100/mm3 died infection, compared to 48% 62 greater 1000/mm3. Hemorrhage mostly due thrombocytopenia (61%) disseminated intravascular coagulation (12%). This study indicates that continues be leukemia. Although advances antibiotic therapy have changed distribution causative organisms, ultimate control requires further improvements supportive care measures which rectify impairments patients' host defense mechanisms.