Review of current knowledge about infections accompanied by paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia with emphasis on challenges regarding the treatment of refugees.

INTRODUCTION AND

OBJECTIVE

Children suffering from cancer or other blood disorders have a good chance of recovery. Interruptions in treatment, however, may have a negative impact on the final outcome. External factors, such as evacuation from conflict zones, contribute to vulnerability to infections and constitute a factor for the discontinuation of therapy. The aim of the review is to present recent knowledge of catheter-related sepsis and tuberculosis (TB) in children with acute leukemia. The case is also presented of an adolescent male of Ukrainian origin. The study draws attention to the challenges in treating patients from other regions due to differences in health status.

REVIEW

METHODS

The article presents a rare case report connected with a literature review, based on the Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science databases from recent years.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Many factors increase susceptibility to infections. Both leukemia itself as well as its intensive therapy influence immunosuppression. Invasive procedures disrupt physiological barriers. The presence of a central or peripheral catheter poses a main source of bloodstream infection. Deficiencies of immunity are conducive to reactivation of latent diseases such as TB, to which children are prone to develop severe forms. Therefore, treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) in paediatric patients is crucial. In diagnosis, vigilance is particularly important in patients coming from high incidence regions with low vaccine coverage.

SUMMARY: Discontinuation of therapy due to infection or other external circumstances may contribute to treatment failure. Early detection is significant to prevent complications of diseases and interruptions in chemotherapy. In medical care for immigrants, the epidemiological situation of the country of origin should be taken into account.