Infections in multiple myeloma

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2001 Jun;15(2):373-84, vii-viii. doi: 10.1016/s0891-5520(05)70151-3.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is a relatively rare but severe hematologic malignancy. Marked depression in production of normal immunoglobulins, mild neutropenia, and alkylant/steroid therapy or BMT/SCT all produce major suppression of the immune system in the totality of patients. Recurrent bacterial, fungal, and viral infections are an important cause of morbidity and the most common cause of death in these subjects. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate anti-infective chemotherapy are essential in order to reduce the risk of mortality.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Infections / complications*
  • Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
  • Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Multiple Myeloma / complications*
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Mycoses / complications*
  • Mycoses / diagnosis
  • Mycoses / drug therapy
  • Virus Diseases / complications*
  • Virus Diseases / diagnosis
  • Virus Diseases / drug therapy