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Ishikawa K, Nakamura T, Kawai F, Ota E, Mori N. Systematic Review of Beta-Lactam vs. Beta-Lactam plus Aminoglycoside Combination Therapy in Neutropenic Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1934. [PMID: 38792012 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We performed a systematic review of studies that compared beta-lactams vs. beta-lactams plus aminoglycosides for the treatment of febrile neutropenia in cancer patients. METHOD We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase for studies published up to October 2023, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa beta-lactam monotherapy with any combination of an anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa beta-lactam and an aminoglycoside were included. RESULT The all-cause mortality rate of combination therapy showed no significant differences compared with that of monotherapy (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.16, high certainty of evidence). Infection-related mortality rates showed that combination therapy had a small positive impact compared with the intervention with monotherapy (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.05, high certainty of evidence). Regarding treatment failure, combination therapy showed no significant differences compared with monotherapy (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.03, low certainty of evidence). In the sensitivity analysis, the treatment failure data published between 2010 and 2019 showed better outcomes in the same beta-lactam group (RR 1.10 [95% CI, 1.01-1.19]). Renal failure was more frequent with combination therapy of any daily dosing regimen (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.60, high certainty of evidence). CONCLUSION We found combining aminoglycosides with a narrow-spectrum beta-lactam did not spare the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Few studies included antibiotic-resistant bacteria and a detailed investigation of aminoglycoside serum levels, and studies that combined the same beta-lactams showed only a minimal impact with the combination therapy. In the future, studies that include the profile of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the monitoring of serum aminoglycoside levels will be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Ishikawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Nakamura
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Thoracic Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Fujimi Kawai
- Library, Department of Academic Resources, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo 104-0044, Japan
| | - Erika Ota
- Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Sciences, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo 104-0044, Japan
- Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Mori
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
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Al Battashi A, Al Harrassi B, Al Maskari N, Al Hashami H, Al Awaidy S. Alarming Antibiotic Resistance in Pediatric Oncology Patients: A Three-Year Prospective Cohort Study from Oman. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:3939-3947. [PMID: 35915810 PMCID: PMC9338433 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s369909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bloodstream infections (BSI) are severe and challenging oncological complications, with a consequent high morbidity and mortality in the immunocompromised. We reviewed the profile and susceptibility of bacteria associated with infections in children under 13 years of age receiving chemotherapy. Methods Prospective cohort study of pediatric oncology patients was conducted between January 2015 and October 2017 at the Royal Hospital in Oman. Patient demographics, clinical data, laboratory parameters, microbial etiology and susceptibility, and outcomes were retrieved and analyzed. Results A total of 74 episodes of positive bacterial blood cultures were detected in 38 oncology patients (positive blood culture rate of 51%). Fifty-seven percent were positive for gram-negative organisms with Klebsiella (21%) being the most common gram-negative organism cultured, and the most common gram-positive organism was Staphylococcus (coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONs) and S. Aureus) (30%). The majority of patients had gastrointestinal complaints (74%), and almost half (51%) had prolonged periods of neutropenia (>7 days). One third of gram-negative organisms were resistant to four or more antibiotics with a major resistance of 31% to piperacillin-tazobactam. Of the gram-positive organisms, 38% were resistant to at least four antibiotics and 30% were pan-resistant (except for vancomycin). Conclusion The gram-negative organisms were dominant in BSIs with Klebsiella being the most common culprit. Bacteremia was prevalent, however, high resistance to first-line antibiotics was documented amongst gram-negative isolates, demanding strategies to ensure our patients’ safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Al Battashi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, The National Oncology Centre, Royal Hospital, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Nawal Al Maskari
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Child Health Department, Royal Hospital, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Hilal Al Hashami
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Child Health Department, Royal Hospital, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Salah Al Awaidy
- Office of Health Affairs, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
- Correspondence: Salah Al Awaidy, Office of Health Affairs, Ministry of Health, Al Khuwair Street, Muscat, Oman, Tel +968 99315063, Fax +968 24946381, Email
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Saito S, Yanagisawa R, Minami K, Uchida E, Watanabe T, Komori K, Kurata T, Nakamura T, Sakashita K. Prophylactic piperacillin administration in pediatric patients with solid tumors following different intensities of chemotherapy. Pediatr Int 2020; 62:158-168. [PMID: 31846519 DOI: 10.1111/ped.14103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prophylactic antibiotics decrease mortality and morbidity in patients with hematological malignancies following intensive chemotherapy. However, the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics for pediatric patients with solid tumors remains unclear. METHODS We retrospectively assessed 103 neutropenic periods from 26 patients with neuroblastoma or brain tumors following three different intensity chemotherapy regimens (05A3, A, and B). While piperacillin was intravenously administered as prophylaxis (PIPC prophylaxis group), the historical control group received no prophylaxis. As patients exhibited a variable degree of myelosuppression based on the intensity of the chemotherapy regimen, we separately evaluated the frequency and severity of febrile neutropenia (FN) in each regimen. RESULTS Following intensive chemotherapy, we observed a significantly lower frequency of FN in the PIPC prophylaxis group compared with the historical control group in both regimen 05A3 (20% vs 65%; P = 0.01) and regimen A (56% vs 93%; P = 0.02). We also observed a shorter duration of fever, lower maximum fever, and lower C-reactive protein levels in the PIPC prophylaxis group compared with the historical control group after regimens 05A3 and A. Conversely, the frequency and severity of FN were not different between the two groups after moderate-intensity chemotherapy (regimen B). However, a longitudinal routine surveillance study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa also indicated a reduction in the susceptibility to PIPC throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS Although PIPC prophylaxis might provide an advantage for severe neutropenia in pediatric patients with solid tumors, there is concern regarding bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, further careful examination is necessary for adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoji Saito
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan.,Life Science Research Center, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Ryu Yanagisawa
- Life Science Research Center, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan.,Division of Blood Transfusion, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan.,Center for Advanced Cell Therapy, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Kisei Minami
- Department of General Pediatrics, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Eriko Uchida
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Watanabe
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Komori
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Takashi Kurata
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Nakamura
- Life Science Research Center, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Kazuo Sakashita
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan.,Life Science Research Center, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
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Lin S, Zhang C, Ye S. Preliminary experience of tigecycline treatment for infection in children with hematologic malignancies. Int J Clin Pharm 2018; 40:1030-1036. [PMID: 30051224 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-018-0690-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Severe infection is life-threatening in children with hematologic malignancies and its treatment is challenging because of an increasing number of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Tigecycline has an expanded antibacterial activity spectrum; some successful cases of tigecycline treatment have been reported in the literature. Objective To examine the efficacy and safety of tigecycline in children. Setting Department of hematologic malignancies in a tertiary hospital. Method A retrospective chart review from May 1, 2012 to May 1, 2017. The patients were identified by the hospital information system and a custom-made Microsoft Excel 2007 database of patients was created to record demographic and medical data. Main outcome measure Efficacy and safety of tigecycline use in severe infection children with hematologic malignancies. Results Thirty-seven patients were enrolled and the predominant diagnosis was acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The median duration of tigecycline therapy was 9 days. Most prescriptions were empirical. Eighteen patients received a maintenance dose of 2 mg/kg q12 h, without a loading dose. Sulperazone was the most frequently prescribed concomitant drug. At the end of tigecycline therapy, improvement was observed in 48.7% of cases. After treatment, interleukin-10 levels notably decreased. The only reported adverse event was a case of tooth discoloration. Conclusion Tigecycline can be used as salvage therapy in children with hematologic malignancy and seems tolerable. Prospective controlled studies are required to definitively evaluate the efficacy and safety of tigecycline in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shupeng Lin
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Children's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 57, Zhugan Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Chenmei Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3333, Binsheng Road, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Sheng Ye
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 3333, Binsheng Road, Hangzhou, 310052, China.
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Robinson PD, Lehrnbecher T, Phillips R, Dupuis LL, Sung L. Strategies for Empiric Management of Pediatric Fever and Neutropenia in Patients With Cancer and Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation Recipients: A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials. J Clin Oncol 2016; 34:2054-60. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2015.65.8591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To describe treatment failure and mortality rates with different antibiotic regimens and different management strategies for empirical treatment of fever and neutropenia (FN) in pediatric patients with cancer and hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. Methods We conducted a systematic review and performed searches of MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies were included if pediatric patients had cancer or were HSCT recipients and the intervention was related to the management of FN. Strategies synthesized were monotherapy versus aminoglycoside-containing combination therapy; antipseudomonal penicillin monotherapy versus fourth-generation cephalosporin monotherapy; inpatient versus outpatient management; oral versus intravenous antibiotics; and addition of colony-stimulating factors. Results Of 11,469 citations screened, 68 studies randomly assigning 7,265 episodes were included. When compared with monotherapy, aminoglycoside-containing combination therapy did not decrease treatment failures (risk ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.38; P = 0.23), and no difference in mortality was observed. Antipseudomonal penicillin and fourth-generation cephalosporin monotherapy were associated with similar failure and mortality rates. Outpatient management and oral antibiotics were safe in low-risk FN with no infection-related mortality observed in any patient and no significant differences in outcomes compared with inpatient management and intravenous therapy. Therapeutic colony-stimulating factors were associated with a 1.42-day reduction in hospitalization (95% CI, 0.62 to 2.22 days; P < .001). Conclusion There were a moderate number of pediatric randomized trials of FN management. Monotherapy for high-risk FN and outpatient and oral management for low-risk FN are effective strategies. These findings will provide the basis for guideline recommendations in pediatric FN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula D. Robinson
- Paula D. Robinson, Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario; L. Lee Dupuis and Lillian Sung, The Hospital for Sick Children; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Thomas Lehrnbecher, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany; and Robert Phillips, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, National Health Service Trust, Leeds, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Lehrnbecher
- Paula D. Robinson, Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario; L. Lee Dupuis and Lillian Sung, The Hospital for Sick Children; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Thomas Lehrnbecher, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany; and Robert Phillips, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, National Health Service Trust, Leeds, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Phillips
- Paula D. Robinson, Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario; L. Lee Dupuis and Lillian Sung, The Hospital for Sick Children; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Thomas Lehrnbecher, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany; and Robert Phillips, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, National Health Service Trust, Leeds, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - L. Lee Dupuis
- Paula D. Robinson, Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario; L. Lee Dupuis and Lillian Sung, The Hospital for Sick Children; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Thomas Lehrnbecher, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany; and Robert Phillips, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, National Health Service Trust, Leeds, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Lillian Sung
- Paula D. Robinson, Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario; L. Lee Dupuis and Lillian Sung, The Hospital for Sick Children; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Thomas Lehrnbecher, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany; and Robert Phillips, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, National Health Service Trust, Leeds, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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Antimicrobial Renal Injury in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: β-Lactams vs. Vancomycin. PHARMACY 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy2040276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Sick AC, Tschudin-Sutter S, Turnbull AE, Weissman SJ, Tamma PD. Empiric combination therapy for gram-negative bacteremia. Pediatrics 2014; 133:e1148-55. [PMID: 24709936 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2013-3363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Empirical combination antibiotic regimens consisting of a β-lactam and an aminoglycoside are frequently employed in the pediatric population. Data to demonstrate the comparative benefit of empirical β-lactam combination therapy relative to monotherapy for culture-proven Gram-negative bacteremia are lacking in the pediatric population. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children treated for Gram-negative bacteremia at The Johns Hopkins Hospital from 2004 through 2012. We compared the estimated odds of 10-day mortality and the relative duration of bacteremia for children receiving empirical combination therapy versus empirical monotherapy using 1:1 nearest-neighbor propensity-score matching without replacement, before performing regression analysis. RESULTS We identified 226 matched pairs of patients well balanced on baseline covariates. Ten-day mortality was similar between the groups (odds ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28 to 1.71). Use of empirical combination therapy was not associated with a decrease in the duration of bacteremia (-0.51 days; 95% CI, -2.22 to 1.48 days). There was no survival benefit when evaluating 10-day mortality for the severely ill (pediatric risk of mortality III score ≥15) or profoundly neutropenic patients (absolute neutrophil count ≤100 cells/mL) receiving combination therapy. However, a survival benefit was observed when empirical combination therapy was prescribed for children growing multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms from the bloodstream (odds ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.84). CONCLUSIONS Although there appears to be no advantage to the routine addition of an aminoglycoside to a β-lactam as empirical therapy for children who have Gram-negative bacteremia, children who have risk factors for MDRGN organisms appear to benefit from this practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Sick
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sarah Tschudin-Sutter
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alison E Turnbull
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Scott J Weissman
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington; and
| | - Pranita D Tamma
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Peacock WF, Maisel A, Kim J, Ronco C. Neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin in acute kidney injury. Postgrad Med 2014; 125:82-93. [PMID: 24200764 DOI: 10.3810/pgm.2013.11.2715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a member of the lipocalin family of proteins. Usually, NGAL is produced and secreted by kidney tubule cells at low levels, but the amount produced and secreted into the urine and serum increases dramatically after ischemic, septic, or nephrotoxic injury of the kidneys. The purpose of our review article is to summarize the role of NGAL in acute kidney injury (AKI), emergent, and intensive care. METHODS A PubMed search was performed (only English-language articles concerning human subjects were considered) using each of the following search term combinations: neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin OR NGAL and acute kidney injury OR AKI; cardiac surgery; heart failure OR cardiology; intensive care; emergency department OR emergency medicine; nephropathy OR nephrotoxicity and transplantation. RESULTS The results of our search yielded 339 articles. Of the 339 articles, 160 were eligible for review based on the predefined criteria for inclusion. CONCLUSION Based on the evidence reviewed, it is clear that patient NGAL level is an appropriate, sensitive, and specific early biomarker of AKI caused by a variety of different etiologies. It is advised that a multidisciplinary group of experts come together to make recommendations and propose a consensus of clinical procedures to advance the most efficacious NGAL monitoring protocol for early detection and treatment of patients with AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Frank Peacock
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Ben Taub General Hospital, Houston, TX.
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Paul M, Dickstein Y, Schlesinger A, Grozinsky-Glasberg S, Soares-Weiser K, Leibovici L. Beta-lactam versus beta-lactam-aminoglycoside combination therapy in cancer patients with neutropenia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013; 2013:CD003038. [PMID: 23813455 PMCID: PMC6457814 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003038.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continued controversy surrounds the optimal empirical treatment for febrile neutropenia. New broad-spectrum beta-lactams have been introduced as single treatment, and classically, a combination of a beta-lactam with an aminoglycoside has been used. OBJECTIVES To compare beta-lactam monotherapy versus beta-lactam-aminoglycoside combination therapy for cancer patients with fever and neutropenia. SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 7, 2012), LILACS (August 2012), MEDLINE and EMBASE (August 2012) and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) (Issue 3, 2012). We scanned references of all included studies and pertinent reviews and contacted the first author of each included trial, as well as the pharmaceutical companies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any beta-lactam antibiotic monotherapy with any combination of a beta-lactam and an aminoglycoside antibiotic, for the initial empirical treatment of febrile neutropenic cancer patients. All cause mortality was the primary outcome assessed. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data concerning all cause mortality, infection related mortality, treatment failure (including treatment modifications), super-infections, adverse effects and study quality measures were extracted independently by two review authors. Risk ratios (RRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Outcomes were extracted by intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis whenever possible. Individual domains of risk of bias were examined through sensitivity analyses. Published data were complemented by correspondence with authors. MAIN RESULTS Seventy-one trials published between 1983 and 2012 were included. All cause mortality was lower with monotherapy (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.02, without statistical significance). Results were similar for trials comparing the same beta-lactam in both trial arms (11 trials, 1718 episodes; RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.06) and for trials comparing different beta-lactams-usually a broad-spectrum beta-lactam compared with a narrower-spectrum beta-lactam combined with an aminoglycoside (33 trials, 5468 episodes; RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.09). Infection related mortality was significantly lower with monotherapy (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.99). Treatment failure was significantly more frequent with monotherapy in trials comparing the same beta-lactam (16 trials, 2833 episodes; RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.20), and was significantly more frequent with combination therapy in trials comparing different beta-lactams (55 trials, 7736 episodes; RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.97). Bacterial super-infections occurred with equal frequency, and fungal super-infections were more common with combination therapy. Adverse events were more frequent with combination therapy (numbers needed to harm 4; 95% CI 4 to 5). Specifically, the difference with regard to nephrotoxicity was highly significant. Adequate trial methods were associated with a larger effect estimate for mortality and smaller effect estimates for failure. Nearly all trials were open-label. No correlation was noted between mortality and failure rates and these trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Beta-lactam monotherapy is advantageous compared with beta-lactam-aminoglycoside combination therapy with regard to survival, adverse events and fungal super-infections. Treatment failure should not be regarded as the primary outcome in open-label trials, as it reflects mainly treatment modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mical Paul
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Rambam Health Care Center. Haifa, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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