Multicenter retrospective cohort study of characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a group of malignant neoplasms associated with a significant disease burden on patients and the health care system. The population of hospitalized CTCL patients is poorly characterized. A retrospective cohort study at five US academic centers investigated characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized patients with CTCL. The majority of admitted patients had mycosis fungoides, advanced disease, and infection during hospitalization. In-hospital mortality (7.6% of patients) was associated with high body mass index, thromboembolic disease, and sepsis. Postdischarge mortality (49.3% at one year) was associated with comorbid malignant neoplasms, wound care as a reason for dermatology consultation, and large cell transformation. The authors conclude that the study improved characterization of inpatient populations with CTCL.