Infection incidence, timing, and predictors in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a real-world retrospective cohort study
By
Ozlem Candan
Narmin Naghizada
Tekin Tuncel
Beyza Melek Palaz
Mustafa Alperen Tunc
Derya Demirtas
Ahmet Mert Yanik
Arda Bayar
Secil Salim
Fatma Temiz
Ceren Uzunoglu Guren
Fatma Arıkan
Meral Ulukoylu Menguc
Asu Fergun Yilmaz
Isik Atagunduz
Zekaver Odabası
Tayfur Toptas
Ayse Tulin Tuglular
May 14, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Infection Rates, Timing, and Predictive Factors in Recently Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Multiple Myeloma (MM) Key Mechanisms Immune suppression due to disease and treatment, hypogammaglobulinemia, myelosuppression, and comorbidities. Target Population Patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma undergoing standard induction treatment. Care Setting Tertiary care facility
Key Highlights
Infections occurred in 50.9% of patients, peaking in the first 3 months. Pneumonia was the most common infection (34.1%). Advanced ISS stage, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease are significant risk factors for infection. Gram-negative organisms, particularly E. coli, Klebsiella spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were prevalent. Lymphocyte levels decreased during febrile episodes. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Monitor clinical and laboratory data for infection risk factors. Management
Implement risk-adjusted infection prevention strategies based on clinical indicators. Monitoring & Follow-up
Regularly assess for infections, particularly in the first 6 months of treatment. Risks
Increased risk of infections due to immune suppression and comorbidities. Patient & Prescribing Data
Newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients aged 18 and older.
Standard induction protocols include bortezomib-based and lenalidomide-based regimens.
Clinical Best Practices
Utilize prophylactic antibiotics judiciously to mitigate infection risks. Tailor infection prevention strategies to individual patient risk profiles. Related Resources & Content
