[Antimicrobial prophylaxis of bacterial infections in pediatric oncology patients]

Bacterial infections are still a major challenge in the treatment of pediatric cancer patients. Considering the evidence in the literature and published consensus opinions of experts the following strategies of antibacterial chemoprophylaxis (ABCP) in pediatric cancer patients can be recommended (or not recommended): Accompanying the implantation of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (or a Rickham-reservoir) ABCP is recommended, until prospective controlled studies including pediatric cancer patients have investigated this issue. In bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients, the prophylactic administration of penicillin should be considered, if severe oral mucositis is a common adverse event in cancer departments with high rates of penicillin-susceptible strains of Streptococcus viridans. Prospective surveillance of resistant bacterial pathogens should be an indispensable tool of quality control in pediatric oncology departments. The risk of infection with antimicrobial-resistant isolates should be balanced against the real benefit of antimicrobial prophylaxis in every instance. ABCP should neither be given during implantation nor during prolonged usage to prevent bacterial infection of a central venous access device (unproven efficacy and potential hazards of Vancomycin-resistant gram-positive infections). The oral administration of non-absorbable ABCP or Trimetoprim-Sufomethoxazole is not recommended for the prevention of bacterial infections (unproven efficacy) and no recommendation can be given for the oral ABCP with chinolones (lacking data, risk of antimicrobial resistance).