Background: Agranulocytosis secondary to cancer chemotherapy (ASCC) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are also particularly prevalent in these populations and may portend a poorer outcome. Our study serves to investigate the relationship between patients with agranulocytosis secondary to cancer chemotherapy and the insertion of a central venous catheter (CVC) with respect to in-hospital mortality.

Methods and results: We utilized the National Inpatient Survey 2019 database. We utilized the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 CM codes to identify ASCC and other medical comorbidities. We utilized ICD-10 PCS codes to identify CVC insertions. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to study the effect of CVC insertion on in-hospital mortality. In patients with ASCC, CVC insertion was associated with a higher in-hospital mortality (unadjusted: 11.9% vs. 1%, p<0.001, adjusted OR 19.27, 95% CI 5.84 - 65.6, p<0.001) adjusted for baseline characteristics and other comorbidities. Patients in the study cohort who were older than 70 years of age also had a higher in-hospital mortality relative to younger age groups (adjusted OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.04-5.13, p<0.039).

Conclusion: In patients with ASCC, CVC insertion during hospitalization is associated with higher in-hospital mortality.

Mohamed Jiffry MZ, Khan A, Carmona Pires F, Okam NA, Vargas J, Moin K, Josephs M. Agranulocytosis Secondary to Cancer Chemotherapy Associated With Higher In-Hospital Mortality in Patients With Central Line Insertion During a Hospital Stay. Cureus. 2023 Feb 7;15(2):e34717. doi: 10.7759/cureus.34717. PMID: 36909119; PMCID: PMC9996671.