Ceftazidime and amikacin as empiric treatment of febrile episodes in neutropenic patients in Saudi Arabia.
Sixty-four consecutive febrile episodes in 50 consecutive patients with malignancy and neutropenia were empirically treated with a combination of ceftazidime and amikacin. Of 52 analysable episodes, the response rate was 59.6% overall and 26.3% of episodes with microbiologically documented infections with septicaemia. Infection-related death occurred in 10 patients (19.2% of episodes). The response rates were similar in patients with acute leukaemia or other malignancies. Poor response is attributed to increased frequency of infections with Gram-positive and fungal organisms. A modified empiric regimen including cover for Gram-positive and fungal organisms is suggested in similar patient populations.
Santhosh-Kumar
C R
CR
Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ajarim
D S
DS
Harakati
M S
MS
al Momen
A K
AK
al Mohareb
F
F
Zeitany
R G
RG
D000328:Adult; D000583:Amikacin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002442:Ceftazidime / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005334:Fever / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000583:Amikacin; D002442:Ceftazidime