Clinical characteristics of bacteremia in children with cancer

Purpose: Bacteremia is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in children with cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of bacteremia in pediatric cancer patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed bacteremia episodes occurred in pediatric cancer patients at Samsung Medical Center from January 2008 to December 2010. We excluded bacteremia episodes after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Results: A total of 141 blood cultures were positive in 121 patients. Thirteen cultures due to contamination were excluded. For analysis, 128 bacteremia episodes in 108 children were included. Gram-positive organisms accounted for 46.9% (60/128) and gram-negative organisms for 53.1% (68/128). The source of bacteremia was identified in 21.1% of episodes. Bacteremia due to catheter related infection was observed in 9.4% of episodes (12/128 episodes) and gram-positive organisms were isolated in 75% of episodes (9/12). There were 10 cases (7.8%) of bacteremia associated with septic shock and gramnegative organisms were isolated in 80% of episodes (8/10). Relapses were documented within 30 days in 2 patients who cleared bacteremia which was confirmed after negative blood cultures. Mortality associated with bacteremia was not observed. Conclusion: Continuous monitoring is needed to maintain the tailored strategies to manage pediatric cancer patients with neutropenic fever who are at high risk of developing bacteremiaineach institution.