Case reportAspergillus laryngotracheobronchial infection in a 6-year-old girl following bone marrow transplantation
Introduction
Fungal infections are a source of significant morbidity and mortality in paediatric oncology patients. We describe an unusual case of localised Aspergillus fumigatus infection of the larynx and tracheobronchial tree following bone marrow transplantation in a 6-year-old girl.
Section snippets
Case history
A 6-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia diagnosed at the age of four, underwent an unrelated cord blood transplant after relapsing whilst on treatment. Post transplant she had grade II graft versus host disease affecting the skin and gut. She was maintained on immunosuppressant therapy of oral cyclosporine adjusted to maintain serum level of 150–250 ng/ml and a slowly reducing course of oral prednisolone. Her other medications included prophylactic oral acyclovir 200 mg twice per
Discussion
We present a case of localized A. fumigatus infection of the larynx in a 6-year-old girl, 7 months following cord blood transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. This case highlights the importance of thorough investigation of immunosuppressed patients presenting with symptoms of upper airways obstruction.
Fungal infections are common in paediatric oncology patients [1]. The most important risk factor for fungal infections is prolonged neutropenia [2]. Other recognized risk factors
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Fungal laryngotracheobronchitis in an immunocompromised child: A case of atypical croup
2012, International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology ExtraCitation Excerpt :The most common pathogens causing endobronchial fungal infections are Aspergillus spp., Coccidioides immitis and agents of zygomycosis, Candida spp., Cryptococcus neoformans, and Histoplasma capsulatum [1]. Barnes et al. reported a case of a pediatric patient suffering from Aspergillus laryngotracheobronchitis following bone marrow transplant [2]. Based on our knowledge to date, this is the first reported case of fungal laryngotracheobronchitis in a pediatric patient as a result of Curvularia infection.
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