Objective: To explore the clinical features of infection in multiple myeloma (MM) undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT).
Methods: Thirty-seven patients with MM undergoing ASCT were retrospectively analyzed for type and time of infection, pathogen, and outcome.
Results: Fifty-nine cases of infectious complications occurred in 33 patients (89.2%) after ASCT, with 34 cases (57.6%) of bacterial infections in 30 patients, 15 cases (25.4%) of fungal infections in 12 patients, 4 cases (6.8%) of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, 3 cases (5.1%) of herpes zoster virus infection and 3 cases (5.1%) of HBV reactivation. The proportion of bacterial infection, fungal infection and virus infection were 62.8%, 28.6% and 8.6% respectively in the early stage after ASCT, and 50.0%, 20.8% and 29.3% respectively in the median stage. Response to first-line antibiotic therapy was seen in 38 cases (64.4%). Infection-related mortality was 8.1% (3 cases).
Conclusions: The incidence of infection in MM patients undergoing ASCT is high and they are susceptible to all pathogens. It is important to choose the right antifungal agents as quickly as possible to reduce infection-related mortality.