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Amikacin for treatment of infections in patients with malignant diseases
Abstract:
Amikacin was evaluated in patients with malignant diseases during 134 episodes of identified infection, most of which were cases of pneumonia and septicemia. The overall rate of response of the identified infections was 63%. The majority of infections were caused by Escherichia coli, the Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia group, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The response rate for infections caused by these organisms was 80%. Five of eight infections caused by organisms resistant to gentamicin responded to therapy with amikacin. Nephrotoxicity was observed in 13% of patients who had normal renal function initially.
Insights
Amikacin effectively treated infections in cancer patients, showing a 63% overall response rate. It was particularly successful against common Gram-negative bacteria, even those resistant to gentamicin.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Patients with malignant diseases often experience severe infections.
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in treating infections in immunocompromised patients.
- Amikacin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used for serious bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of amikacin in patients with malignant diseases.
- To assess the response rate of amikacin in various types of infections.
- To determine the effectiveness of amikacin against specific Gram-negative pathogens, including gentamicin-resistant strains.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 134 infection episodes in patients with malignant diseases treated with amikacin.
- Identification of causative pathogens and assessment of infection response.
- Monitoring for adverse events, specifically nephrotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Amikacin demonstrated an overall infection response rate of 63%.
- Infections caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed an 80% response rate.
- Five out of eight infections with gentamicin-resistant organisms responded to amikacin.
- Nephrotoxicity occurred in 13% of patients with initially normal renal function.
Conclusions:
- Amikacin is an effective therapeutic option for treating infections in patients with malignant diseases.
- Amikacin shows significant efficacy against common Gram-negative bacteria, including those resistant to other antibiotics.
- Careful monitoring for nephrotoxicity is warranted during amikacin therapy in this patient population.