Prospective study of empiric monotherapy with ceftazidime for low-risk grade IV febrile neutropenia after cytotoxic chemotherapy in cancer patients.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

It was the aim of this study to evaluate the results of a prospective study in a single medical center using ceftazidime monotherapy in cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced grade IV febrile neutropenia and a low risk for gram-negative bacteremia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

Thirty-eight patients were admitted with low-risk grade IV febrile neutropenia after chemotherapy for solid tumors. The median patient age was 57 years (range 18-74). Sixteen patients (42%) developed febrile neutropenia after the first cycle of current chemotherapy line, 9 patients (24%) received 2-3 cycles and 13 patients (34%) received more than 3 chemotherapy cycles before manifesting febrile neutropenia. Five patients were treated with prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor commenced 24 h after completion of the chemotherapy cycle. Empiric monotherapy with intravenous ceftazidime was started on admission and administered 2 g every 8 h.

RESULTS:

The mean polymorphic nuclear cell count on admission was 231 cells/mm(3). Ceftazidime therapy was well tolerated. Twenty-five (66%) patients responded with clinical improvement and complete resolution of fever within 48 h after initiation of ceftazidime therapy. Thirty-two (84%) patients were afebrile after 72 h of therapy. Thirty-three patients (87%) remained on unmodified ceftazidime therapy throughout their hospitalization. Five patients (13%) subsequently required modification of the treatment regimen for various reasons. Mean duration of fever and neutropenia were 2 (1-10) days and 4 (1-11) days, respectively. None of the patients discontinued therapy because of adverse effects. No positive blood cultures were obtained. No events of septic shock were observed. Mean duration of hospitalization was 6 days (range 3-12).

CONCLUSION:

In our series, monotherapy with intravenous ceftazidime appears safe and effective in cancer patients with low-risk grade IV febrile neutropenia after cytotoxic chemotherapy and may appreciably reduce antibiotics costs.

• Authors: Pnina Chernobelski, Konstantin Lavrenkov, Doron Rimar, Klaris Riesenberg, Francisc Schlaeffer, Samuel Ariad, Wilmosh Mermershtain
• Journal: Chemotherapy (Chemotherapy) Vol. 52 Issue 4 Pg. 185-9 ( 2006) ISSN: 0009-3157 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 16675902 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Ceftazidime

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (adverse effects)
• Ceftazidime (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Neutropenia (chemically induced, drug therapy)
• Prospective Studies
• Survival Rate
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome