Objectives: In patients with hematological malignancies infections are among important causes of mortality. Our aim in this study is to investigate the factors affecting morbidity and mortality in our patients hospitalized for hematological malignancies who developed febrile neutropenia and were diagnosed with bloodstream infection. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted using the data of 95 febrile neutropenic cases with hematological malignancies and bloodstream infections who were hospitalized in the hematology clinic between 2015 and 2020. The growth of bacterial agents in the blood cultures of febrile neutropenic patients, the susceptibility of these agents and the effects of susceptibility on the prognosis were investigated. Results: 50.5% (n=48) of the patients were female and 49.5% (n=47) were male; the mean age was 61.5±13.2 years. In blood cultures, E. coli was observed in 25 patients (26.3%), K.pneumoniae in 18(18.9%), Coagulase-negative staphylococci in 14 (14.7%), P.aeruginosa in 9 (9.4%) and S.aureus in 7 (7,4%) patients. A significant correlation was found between using antibiotics for a shorter time and the risk of mortality (p=0.001). It was determined that the decrease in the neutrophil count increased the mortality risk (p<0.001) and the increase in the CRP level on the day of recovery from neutropenia increased the mortality risk (p<0.001). Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of infections that cause significant morbidity and mortality are important. Therefore, in order to achieve better results in the management of febrile neutropenia, each center should closely monitor the causes of infection and establish treatment protocols. Keywords: Antimicrobial susceptibility, febrile neutropenia, blood culture, hematological malignancy, prognosis
Corresponding Author: Muzeyyen Aslaner Ak