The impact of novel influenza A (H1N1) after hematopoietic SCT.

摘要

Patients with hematological malignancy who undergo hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) remain profoundly immuno-suppressed for approximately 1 year, or even longer if on prolonged anti-GVHD therapy. Based on evidence from previous influenza outbreaks, these patients are likely to be at a high risk of contracting novel influenza A (H1N1) during the current pandemic and of developing severe respiratory complications. However, data relating to the course of H1N1 infection in patients after HSCT are sparse, with only four anecdotal cases reported so far. Moreover, the role of steroids in the course of influenza in these patients is still unclear. Here we describe five cases of H1N1 infection identified at our institution in the past 6 months in adult patients transplanted with peripheral blood HSC.