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

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2007 Nov;26(11):801-6. doi: 10.1007/s10096-007-0382-5.

Abstract

Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Pip-Taz) is an evidence-based empirical treatment of febrile neutropenia in adolescents and adults. No data are available in pediatric cancer patients <25 months of age. In this retrospective, multicenter data survey, the analysis focuses on safety, tolerance, and efficacy. The daily dose administered was 240 mg/kg given in three equally divided doses. Data on 156 Pip-Taz treatment courses in 69 children <25 months from five pediatric cancer treatment centers (2001-2005) were analyzed. The median duration of treatment with Pip-Taz was 5 days (range, 1-23 days; 1-12 Pip-Taz courses per patient). Pip-Taz was started on the first day of fever in 90% of all courses, in 6% in the first 72 h, and in 4% as second- or third-line agent. Forty-five percent of all patients were neutropenic. In all patients, the outcome was favorable independent whether Pip-Taz was given as monotherapy (42 courses; 27%) or in combination. Overall, Pip-Taz was well tolerated and discontinued due to adverse events in only two patients who experienced non-life-threatening allergic reactions (skin rash and wheezing). The results of this study are preliminary due to the methodological limitations of a retrospective survey. Taking this bias into consideration, Pip-Taz appears to be a safe, and feasible alternative in pediatric cancer patients with febrile neutropenia <25 months of age suggesting that the inclusion of children of all age groups in future prospective controlled studies evaluating Pip-Taz is justified.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Infections / drug therapy*
  • Fever of Unknown Origin / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Neoplasms / complications*
  • Neutropenia
  • Penicillanic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Penicillanic Acid / adverse effects
  • Penicillanic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Penicillanic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Piperacillin / administration & dosage
  • Piperacillin / adverse effects
  • Piperacillin / therapeutic use
  • Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Withholding Treatment

Substances

  • Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination
  • Penicillanic Acid
  • Piperacillin