Invasive fungal infection following chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia—Experience from a developing country

Summary The incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFI) is believed to be higher in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) undergoing chemotherapy in non‐HEPA‐filtered rooms. The aim of this study is to review the incidence of IFI in a large cohort of patients with AML treated at a single centre in India. Two hundred and twenty‐two patients with AML treated with either induction chemotherapy or salvage chemotherapy between 2008 and 2013 were studied retrospectively. IFI was defined as per the revised EORTC‐MSG criteria. Data on type of chemotherapy, prophylactic strategies, engraftment (ANC>500), the presence of IFI and survival were collected. IFI was diagnosed in 86 patients (38.7%) with proven IFI in 12 (5.4%). Use of posaconazole prophylaxis (P=.001) was the only factor associated with reduced incidence of IFI. Survival in patients with proven IFI was lower than those without proven IFI, but not statistically significant (59.4% vs 78.5%; P=.139). There is a high incidence of IFI during induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia in developing countries. Posaconazole prophylaxis was associated with a significantly lower incidence of IFI. Optimal yet cost‐effective strategies for prevention and early diagnosis of IFI are required to improve survival in patients undergoing chemotherapy for AML.