Background:
Infection and relapse constitute the two main challenges in the management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children. Real-world data in children treated in low-and-middle income countries are sparse as the cost of supportive care is high.
Patients and Methods:
We present data on children up to 18 years of age undergoing chemotherapy for AML as per UKMRC AML protocol from 2002 to June 2019 and pattern of sepsis.
Results:
The incidence of culture-positive sepsis was similar pre- and post-2012 (52.6% vs. 72.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae being the most common organism. There was a significant increase in carbapenem resistance post 2012 (14% vs. 67%,
P
= 0.032). Sepsis-related induction mortality has remained at 6.2% despite an increase in drug-resistant bacterial infections over two decades. The overall survival was 53% (n=48), with a plateau in the survival curve after 24 months, relapse being the most common cause of death (69%). Conclusions: Sepsis-related induction mortality can be maintained at less than 10% in children undergoing chemotherapy for AML, despite increasing drug-resistant bacteremia, with adequate supportive care and trained personnel including pediatric intensivists and nurses.
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