Infection on a gynecologic oncology service

Infectious diseases in gynecologic oncology: an overview

The increasing trend of a multimodal therapeutic approach in gynecologic oncology in the last few years has markedly changed the nature, frequency, and clinical presentation of infectious diseases. Despite the improved diagnostic tools, refined surgical technique, and routine use of prophylactic antibiotics, the morbidity and mortality of infectious complications remain significant. The rational use of available treatment resources, the recognition of risk factors, and increased awareness of host-cancer interactions should reduce the incidence of these serious infectious complications. The improved prevention and more efficient treatment of infections in the gynecologic oncology patient will not only improve prognosis but also have a significant economic impact as well.

Pefloxacin in the treatment of severe infections in gynecological cancer patients

Infections often complicate the medical or surgical treatment of hospitalized cancer patients. In these cases, a broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment is necessary before the microbiological results are available. The aim of the present study is to verify the efficacy of pefloxacin as empirical antibiotic therapy in controlling infectious complications induced by surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy in female patients with gynecological cancer. To this purpose, 58 hospitalized patients with gynecologic malignancy and severe infectious complications were treated with intravenous pefloxacin at the dosage regimen of 400 mg every 12 hours. In all, 49 (or 91%) of the 54 evaluable patients were cured. The mean duration of successful treatment was 5.9 +/- 2.1 days (ranging 4-13 days). No side effects or clinical laboratory abnormalities requiring reduction or discontinuation of therapy were observed. We conclude that pefloxacin may be considered a first choice, broad-spectrum, single antibiotic for use in the empirical therapy of infections in gynecological cancer patients.