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Review
. 2013 Nov;4(6):394-401.
doi: 10.6004/jadpro.2013.4.6.2.

Ceftazidime for neutropenic fevers: is it still an appropriate choice?

Ellen Bethany Napier  1
Affiliations
Review

Ceftazidime for neutropenic fevers: is it still an appropriate choice?

Ellen Bethany Napier. J Adv Pract Oncol. 2013 Nov.

Abstract

Infection continues to rank as a primary cause of treatment-related mortality in patients with cancer. For patients with neutropenic fevers, immediate empiric treatment with antibiotics is standard care. However, which specific antibiotic is best for initial treatment of high-risk patients has been much debated without consensus. Many major health centers use intravenous ceftazidime as first-line therapy for these patients. Yet updates to guidelines published by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggest that ceftazidime may no longer be an optimal choice. This article reviews the literature regarding ceftazidime therapy for the treatment of high-risk neutropenic patients with fevers. This critical analysis of existing research reveals significant pharmacologic, physiologic, social, and financial implications, and recommendations for further studies are made.

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Figures

Table 1
Table 1
Table 1. Assessment Criteria for the High-Risk Neutropenic Patient
Table 2
Table 2
Table 2. Leukocytes: Types and Activity
Figure 1
Figure 1
Figure. Summary of direct comparison studies between ceftazidime and four other drugs recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Table 3
Table 3
Table 3. Activity and Resistance of Selected Beta-Lactam Antibiotics
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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