Bloodstream infections in pediatric hematology/oncology patients: Six years’ experience of a single center in Turkey

Abstract

Background/aim: Bloodstream infections are the major cause of morbidity, increased cost, prolonged hospitalization, and mortalityin pediatric patients. Identifying the predominant microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibilities in centers helps to select effectiveempirical antimicrobials which leads to positive clinical outcomes. We aimed to identify the causative microorganisms and theirantimicrobial susceptibilities in patients with bloodstream infections.Materials and methods: Data belonging to patients with hematological and/or oncological diseases admitted to our hospital with feverbetween January 2010 and November 2015 were analyzed.Results: In total, 71 patients who had 111 bloodstream infection episodes were included. Responsible pathogens were detected as follows:35.1% gram-positive microorganisms, 60.5% gram-negative bacteria, and 4.4% fungi. The most common causative gram-negativepathogen was Escherichia coli and the most commonly isolated gram-positive microorganism was coagulase-negative staphylococci.Conclusion: Gram-negative microorganisms were predominant pathogens in bloodstream infections. Escherichia coli and coagulasenegative staphylococci were the most commonly isolated responsible pathogens. Beta-lactam/lactamase inhibitors were suitable forempirical treatment. However, in critical cases, colistin could have been used for empirical treatment until the culture results wereavailable. Routine glycopeptide use was not required. By identifying the causative microorganisms and their antimicrobial resistancepatterns, it will be possible to obtain positive clinical results.