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Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
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Published on: August 30, 2018

Piperacillin-tazobactam in pediatric cancer patients younger than 25 months: a retrospective multicenter survey

A Simon1, T Lehrnbecher, U Bode

  • 1Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital Medical Centre, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. asimon@ukb.uni-bonn.de

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|September 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Pip-Taz) is a safe and feasible treatment for febrile neutropenia in young pediatric cancer patients. This study suggests Pip-Taz is well-tolerated and effective in children under 25 months old.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Febrile neutropenia is a common complication in pediatric cancer patients.
  • Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Pip-Taz) is an established empirical treatment for febrile neutropenia in older populations.
  • Limited data exist regarding Pip-Taz use in very young children (<25 months) with cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety, tolerance, and efficacy of Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Pip-Taz) in pediatric cancer patients under 25 months of age with febrile neutropenia.
  • To assess Pip-Taz as an empirical treatment option in this specific, understudied age group.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective, multicenter data survey analyzing 156 Pip-Taz treatment courses in 69 children (<25 months) from five pediatric cancer centers (2001-2005).
  • Focus on safety, tolerance, and efficacy outcomes.
  • Standard daily dose of 240 mg/kg in three divided doses was administered.

Main Results:

  • Pip-Taz was initiated on day 1 of fever in 90% of cases.
  • Forty-five percent of patients were neutropenic.
  • Favorable outcomes were observed in all patients, regardless of Pip-Taz monotherapy or combination use.
  • Pip-Taz was well tolerated, with only two patients discontinuing treatment due to non-life-threatening allergic reactions (skin rash, wheezing).

Conclusions:

  • Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Pip-Taz) appears to be a safe, feasible, and well-tolerated empirical treatment option for febrile neutropenia in pediatric cancer patients under 25 months of age.
  • Preliminary findings suggest Pip-Taz efficacy in this population.
  • Further prospective, controlled studies including all age groups are warranted to confirm these results.

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