Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and associated chronic lung diseases

Infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), with respiratory tract infections being predominant. This study evaluated the incidence of chronic lung diseases (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], and bronchiectasis) among 4,532 patients with CLL and their association with infection complications and outcomes. We found that bronchiectasis (5%), asthma (12.2%), and COPD (6.6%) were prevalent among CLL patients and were associated with an increased hazard ratio (HR) for pneumonia (HR=1.7). Bronchiectasis and COPD were significantly associated with higher rates of hospitalization due to pneumonia. Preventive measures, such as Prevenar vaccination and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, reduced pneumonia-related hospitalizations. These findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and management of chronic lung diseases in CLL patients.