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.

Infections in Patients with Acute Leukemia

Infections in Patients with Malignant Lymphomas
Consequences from specific treatment modalities
Infections after high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Microbiological Background
The Diagnostic Approach to the Febrile Neutropenic Patient: Clinical Considerations
Diagnostic Radiology in Hematological Patients with Febrile Neutropenia
Risk Stratification in Febrile Neutropenic Patients
Fever of Unknown Origin: Treatment According to Risk Assessment
Pulmonary Complications
Vascular Catheter-Related Infections
Gastrointestinal Complications
Central Nervous System Infections
Antibacterial Agents
Antifungal Agents
Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Hematology
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology in Hematology Units
Myeloid Growth Factors.