[Prevention of infection in patients with agranulocytosis through isolation and whole-body decontamination].

During induction chemotherapy 21 patients with acute myelogenous leukemia and agranulocytosis were prophylactically isolated either in reverse isolation (group A) or in sterile plastic-tent isolators with laminar air flow (Life Islands, group B). Patients of group B also received whole-body decontamination and sterile food. Life threatening septicemias were seen only in patients in reverse isolation. Granulocyte transfusions were highly successful in reducing infection-related mortality in group A. Seven additional patients with agranulocytosis of varying origin (group C) were protected in the Life Islands as effectively as the patients with acute leukemia.