Preventive Effects of a Portable Laminar Air Purifire on Severe Infections in Patients with Agranulocytosis in Hematological Malignancies

Abstract

Preventive effects were compared between the conventional procedure (“gown technique”) and the laminar flow portable air purifier (Enviracaire) in patients with hematological malignancies under chemotherapy. The incidence of respiratory infections were markedly reduced in the patients with Enviracaire. The numbers of viable and non-viable particles around the patient's head area were decreased (upto class 100 based on the NASA standard) with Enviracaire. Instead of the results with respiratory infections, the incidence of other infections (so called “fever of unknown origin”) was not significantly reduced even with Enviracaire. Other procedures should be considered for these non-respiratory infections.