Related Experiment Videos
Low-dose continuous-infusion ceftazidime monotherapy in low-risk febrile neutropenic patients
E Marshall1, D B Smith, S M O'Reilly
1Department of Medical Oncology, Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology NHS Trust, Wirral, UK. erniem@ccotrust.co.uk
Abstract:
One hundred and thirty-five cancer patients admitted with low-risk neutropenic fever received a low-dose schedule of ceftazidime as infusional monotherapy over a total of 180 episodes. Ceftazidime was administered as a 1-g bolus followed by a continuous infusion of 2 g per day. In this patient population the ceftazidime was both practical and well tolerated. Sixty-eight percent of patients responded with clinical improvement and complete resolution of fever within 48 h. Overall, 95% of patients responded, although 18% subsequently required antibiotic modification for persistent fever. Only 5% of episodes were considered failures due to clinical deterioration, and over the study period there was only 1 fatality due to respiratory failure. The median duration of hospitalisation was only 4 days (2-20). In conclusion, monotherapy with low-dose infusional ceftazidime appears safe and highly effective in this low-risk population of neutropenic patients and may reduce antibiotic costs appreciably.
Insights
Low-dose infusional ceftazidime is a safe and effective treatment for low-risk neutropenic fever in cancer patients. This antibiotic regimen demonstrated high response rates and a short hospital stay, potentially reducing costs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neutropenic fever is a common complication in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Prompt and effective treatment is crucial to prevent severe infections and improve patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a low-dose infusional ceftazidime monotherapy in cancer patients with low-risk neutropenic fever.
- To assess clinical response rates, duration of hospitalization, and need for antibiotic modification.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 135 cancer patients with 180 episodes of low-risk neutropenic fever.
- Ceftazidime administered as a 1-g bolus followed by a continuous infusion of 2 g per day.
- Clinical outcomes, including fever resolution, clinical improvement, and treatment failures, were monitored.
Main Results:
- 68% of patients showed clinical improvement and fever resolution within 48 hours.
- Overall response rate was 95%, with 18% requiring antibiotic modification.
- Only 5% of episodes were considered treatment failures; median hospitalization was 4 days.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose infusional ceftazidime is a safe and highly effective monotherapy for low-risk neutropenic fever in cancer patients.
- This regimen offers a practical and well-tolerated treatment option.
- It has the potential to reduce antibiotic costs and shorten hospital stays.