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[Bacteremia in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia]
H Schrøder1, B T Lassen, S T Andersen
1Arhus Universitetshospital, Skejby Sygehus, børneonkologisk afdeling.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|October 9, 1998
Summary
Bacterial infections in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were analyzed. Initial broad-spectrum antibiotics were effective in most cases, guiding safe discontinuation based on clinical and culture results.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Context:
- Children undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are susceptible to bacterial infections.
- Febrile episodes are common during ALL treatment, necessitating prompt management.
Purpose:
- To characterize the patterns of bacterial infections in pediatric patients with ALL.
- To evaluate the efficacy of initial antibiotic regimens and establish criteria for discontinuation.
Summary:
- A study of 46 children with ALL treated for 119 febrile episodes found bacterial cultures positive in 36 instances.
- Initial antibiotic therapy (ampicillin and gentamicin, +/- dicloxacillin) was effective in 75% of cases.
- Higher peak C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were observed in children with positive blood cultures.
Impact:
- Findings support the safety and efficacy of initial broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy for febrile episodes in pediatric ALL.
- Provides evidence-based guidelines for antibiotic discontinuation based on clinical improvement and negative cultures.
- Contributes to optimizing infection management protocols in immunocompromised pediatric cancer patients.