Comparative study of protected environment for children with malignant disease

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Hematology/Oncology

Background:

• Children with malignancy undergoing cancer chemotherapy are at high risk of infection.
• Reverse isolation techniques aim to protect immunocompromised patients from pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of reverse isolation with and without decontamination in preventing infections in pediatric cancer patients.
• To compare the impact of different isolation environments (laminar air flow, vertical air flow, conventional room) on infection rates and treatment response.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-three pediatric cancer patients were prospectively studied and allocated into three groups.
• Group A: Laminar air flow room with oral nonabsorbable antibiotics and sterile food.
• Group B: Vertical air flow room without decontamination.
• Group C: Conventional private room.

Main Results:

• Group A experienced the fewest infectious episodes and the highest response rate to cancer chemotherapy.
• Patients in Groups A and B had significantly fewer pyrexial days and days on systemic antibiotics compared to Group C.
• Infection episodes were significantly lower in Group A but not in Group B, relative to Group C.

Conclusions:

• Laminar air flow rooms combined with decontamination are highly effective in preventing infections in immunocompromised pediatric cancer patients.
• Vertical air flow rooms also offer benefits in reducing infection-related complications.
• Both specialized air flow rooms demonstrated their necessity and usefulness in managing childhood cancer patients.