Perianal infections in acute leukemia patients who received induction and consolidation chemotherapy

Clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, complications, management, and prevention

Abstract

Perianal infection (PI) is one of the complications often found in acute leukemia patients who received induction and consolidation chemotherapy. Perianal mucosal damage in these patients can be a port of entry of pathogenic microorganism. Clinical manifestations of PI can range from abscess and fistula to life-threatening complications of tissue necrosis and sepsis. Patients with neutropenia sometimes do not show profound signs of inflammation so that diagnosis sometimes requires imaging studies. These conditions not only cause death, but also decreases the patient's quality of life. Management of PI includes surgical and nonsurgical procedures, both of which show good results in most patients, however complications such as sepsis and necrosis can still be found. Prevention and early diagnosis of PI in leukemia patients are important and need to be developed.