Incidence, risk factors, and outcome of blood stream infections during the first 100 days post‐pediatric allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantations

Abstract Bloodstream infections (BSI) are a frequently observed complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Retrospective analysis of clinical and microbiological data during the first 100 days from 302 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent HSCT for a malignant disease at our institute between January 2013 and June 2017. A total of 164 patients underwent autologous and 138 allogeneic HSCT. The overall incidence of BSI was 37% with 92% of infectious episodes occurring during the pre‐engraftment phase. Gram‐positive bacteria (GPB) accounted for 54.6% of the isolated pathogens, gram‐negative bacteria (GNB) for 43.9%, and fungi for 1.4%. Coagulase‐negative staphylococci and Escherichia coli were the most commonly isolated GPB and GNB, respectively. Forty‐five percent of GNB were extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase producers and 21% were multidrug‐resistant organisms. Fluoroquinolone resistance was 92% and 68%, among GPB and GNB, respectively. Risk factors for BSI in univariate analysis were allogeneic HSCT, delayed time to engraftment more than 12 days, previous BSI before HSCT, and alternative donor. In multivariate analysis, only HSCT type (allogeneic vs autologous P = .03) and previous BSI within 6 months before HSCT ( P = .016) were significant. Overall survival at day 100 was 98% and did not differ significantly between patients with and without BSI ( P = .76). BSI is common in children undergoing HSCT for malignant diseases. Allogeneic HSCT recipients and previous BSI within 6 months before HSCT are associated with increased risk of post‐transplant BSI. With current supportive measures, BSI does not seem to confer an increased risk for 100‐day mortality.