Systemic broad-spectrum antimicrobial prophylaxis in hematological patients after intensive antineoplastic chemotherapy

Haematologica. 1990 Jan-Feb;75(1):91-3.

Abstract

We performed a pilot study on 13 heavily treated hematologic patients, in whom a systemic broad-spectrum antimicrobial prophylaxis was started after the end of the antineoplastic treatment. Results were compared to a historical control group of patients with similar characteristics, in whom antibody were started at the appearance of fever. We observed a remarkable reduction in infectious fevers (1 versus 7, p = 0.03) and a disappearance of bacterial sepsis (0 versus 7, p = 0.005). The length of treatment was longer (18.6 versus 12.0 days, p = 0.06); no side effects were seen. We conclude that this seems to be a promising and safe approach, whose role in the management of selected neutropenic patients could be evaluated with further, wider studies.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agranulocytosis / complications*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
  • Bacterial Infections / etiology
  • Bacterial Infections / prevention & control*
  • Drug Evaluation
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / therapeutic use*
  • Fever / etiology
  • Hematologic Diseases / complications
  • Humans
  • Neutropenia / chemically induced
  • Neutropenia / complications*
  • Pilot Projects

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents