Randomized comparison of ceftriaxone versus ceftriaxone plus amikacin for the empirical treatment of infections in patients with altered host defense: microbiological and clinical evaluation

Abstract

Two hundred and eighty-four febrile episodes in immunocompromised patients were treated with ceftriaxone alone or in combination with amikacin. In the ceftriaxone-treated group, 60 out of 143 febrile episodes were microbiologically documented, while in the group receiving the combination therapy, there were 32 out of 140 (p = 0.0007). Gram-positive microorganisms were more common than gram-negative ones, accounting for 59 of the 101 isolated bacteria. The ceftriaxone regimen appeared to have a response rate comparable to the combination regimen (73.91 vs. 78.88%). Superinfections occurred under both regimens.