Back to Search Start Over

Respiratory virus infections in bone marrow transplant recipients: the European perspective

Authors :
Ljungman, Per
Source :
American Journal of Medicine. March 17, 1997, Vol. 102 Issue 3A, p44, 4 p.
Publication Year :
1997

Abstract

The role of respiratory viruses in severe complications following bone marrow transplantation was examined in a survey of selected transplant centers in Europe belonging to the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Information was collected on 57 cases of infections with respiratory viruses, including adenoviruses. In two centers that had conducted prospective studies of bone marrow recipients with respiratory symptoms, the frequency of these infections was 7.1% and 4%, respectively. The severity of these infections varied. Pneumonias caused by respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus were associated with mortality rates of 60% and 75%, respectively, whereas pneumonia caused by parainfluenza had a mortality rate of 20%. Influenza infections progressed to fatal pneumonia in 17% of cases. Results of antiviral therapy varied. As the results of our survey showed, respiratory virus infections are not infrequent after bone marrow transplantation and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Details

ISSN :
00029343
Volume :
102
Issue :
3A
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
American Journal of Medicine
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
edsgcl.19396041