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[Comparative study of cefpiramide + amikacin versus piperacillin + amikacin in granulocytopenic patients: a

K Sampi1, M Hattori

  • 1Hematology Clinic, Saitama Cancer Center, Japan.

Insights

Cefpiramide plus amikacin (CPM + AMK) showed similar responses to piperacillin plus amikacin (PIPC + AMK) for empiric fever therapy in granulocytopenic patients, though PIPC + AMK was superior for clinically documented infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Granulocytopenia increases infection risk, necessitating effective empiric antibiotic therapy.
  • Fever in granulocytopenic patients requires prompt and appropriate treatment.
  • Standard empiric therapy often involves broad-spectrum antibiotics like piperacillin plus amikacin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare cefpiramide plus amikacin (CPM + AMK) with piperacillin plus amikacin (PIPC + AMK) for empiric fever therapy in granulocytopenic patients.
  • To evaluate treatment response rates and toxicity profiles of the two antibiotic regimens.
  • To assess the impact of granulocyte count on treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective randomized trial involving 252 episodes in 141 granulocytopenic patients.
  • Comparison of cefpiramide + amikacin (CPM + AMK) versus piperacillin + amikacin (PIPC + AMK) as empiric therapy.
  • Assessment of response rates for microbiologically and clinically documented infections, and patient outcomes based on granulocyte counts.

Main Results:

  • Initial profound granulocytopenia (<100/mm3) was present in approximately 69% of patients in both groups.
  • Treatment response rates were similar for microbiologically and clinically documented infections.
  • Piperacillin + amikacin showed a superior response rate (63% vs. 52%) for clinically documented infections.
  • Patients with persistent granulocytopenia had significantly lower response rates (22% vs. 9%) compared to those with rising granulocyte counts (79% vs. 79%).
  • Toxicities were infrequent, with disordered renal function observed in one patient receiving PIPC + AMK.

Conclusions:

  • Both CPM + AMK and PIPC + AMK are viable empiric therapies for fever in granulocytopenic patients.
  • PIPC + AMK demonstrated a better response rate for clinically documented infections.
  • Granulocyte count recovery is a significant predictor of treatment success in this patient population.

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