Infections are among the most frequent complications in patients with hematological malignancies and in those undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A profound knowledge on the epidemiology, diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities and prophylactic strategies is essential for the clinical management of these complications in patients who are often severely immunocompromised owing to their underlying diseases and in particular, the intensive myelosuppressive chemo and immunotherapy. This textbook provides a clinically oriented, compact and up-to-date overview on infections in hematology patients and their management. The typical pathogens to be considered in different subgroups of patients are identified and further aspects of the microbiological background are explored. Clinical, imaging, and laboratory-based diagnostic techniques are discussed and therapeutic strategies appropriate to different situations are then presented, with due attention to the pitfalls, toxicities and interactions that can arise during antimicrobial treatment. Strategies to prevent infection are also outlined, encompassing antimicrobial prophylaxis, isolation procedures, hospital hygiene, protective immunization and the use of hematopoietic growth factors.

Infections in Patients with Acute Leukemia
Rolston, Kenneth V. I.
Pages 3-23
Infections in Patients with Malignant Lymphomas
Rolston, Kenneth V. I.
Pages 25-37
Consequences from Specific Treatment Modalities
Maschmeyer, Georg
Pages 39-47
Infections After High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Nucci, Marcio (et al.)
Pages 49-61
Microbiological Background
Akova, Murat
Pages 63-87
The Diagnostic Approach to the Febrile Neutropenic Patient: Clinical Considerations
Bow, Eric J.
Pages 91-111
Diagnostic Radiology in Hematological Patients with Febrile Neutropenia
Heussel, Claus Peter
Pages 113-135
Risk Stratification in Febrile Neutropenic Patients
Paesmans, Marianne
Pages 137-152
Fever of Unknown Origin: Treatment According to Risk Assessment
Maschmeyer, Georg
Pages 155-163
Pulmonary Complications
Maschmeyer, Georg
Pages 165-185
Vascular Catheter-Related Infections
Dababneh, Luma (et al.)
Pages 187-195
Gastrointestinal Complications
Blijlevens, Nicole M. A.
Pages 197-210
Central Nervous System Infections
Schmidt-Hieber, Martin
Pages 211-226
Antibacterial Agents
Kern, Winfried V.
Pages 229-258
Antifungal Agents
Thompson, George R. (et al.)
Pages 259-272
Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Hematology
Girmenia, Corrado (et al.)
Pages 275-296
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology in Hematology Units
Weisser, Maja (et al.)
Pages 297-313
Myeloid Growth Factors
Link, Hartmut