Characteristics of early acute respiratory distress syndrome in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia

Acute respiratory complications occur frequently during the early phase of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but information on the most severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), is lacking. We retrospectively analyzed 280 patients with newly diagnosed AML in order to describe the incidence, risk factors and early mortality associated with ARDS within 15 d. Univariate and then multivariate analysis were performed. ARDS developed in 9% of patients and was associated with 64% day-30 mortality. White blood cell count on admission was an independent risk factor for ARDS (OR = 1.007, 95% CI = 1.001–1.012, p =.012) with a moderate prediction ability (AUC 0.704, p =.001). Other variables were associated with ARDS in univariate but not in multivariate analysis: body mass index (p =.06), transfusions (p =.001) and sepsis (p <.0001). Leukemia-specific complications and documented infections were the most frequent ARDS etiologies and were sometimes associated, with no clear distinctive temporal pattern.