Empirical antibiotics against Gram-positive infections for febrile neutropenia: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Mical Paul*, Sara Borok, Abigail Fraser, Liat Vidal, Leonard Leibovici

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

81 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the value of empirical anti-Gram-positive antibiotics for the treatment of febrile neutropenia. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing antibiotics with anti-Gram-positive spectrum to control or placebo, in addition to the same baseline antibiotic regimen in both arms. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, the Cochrane Library, conference proceedings, and references. No restrictions on inclusion were imposed. Two reviewers independently applied selection criteria, carried out quality assessment, and extracted the data. Relative risks with 95% confidence intervals were pooled using the fixed effect model. The primary outcome assessed was all-cause mortality. Results: Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria, including 2392 participants. Glycopeptides were assessed in nine trials. Empirical anti-Gram-positive antibiotics were assessed for the initial treatment in 11 studies, and for persistent fever in two. No significant difference in all-cause mortality was seen [RR 0.86 (0.58-1.26), seven studies, 852 participants]. Overall failure at end of therapy occurred equally [RR 1.00 (0.79-1.27), six studies, 943 participants]. Failure associated with treatment modifications was more frequent in the control arm when empirical initial glycopeptides were assessed [RR 0.70 (0.61-0.80), five studies, 1178 participants]. Bacterial superinfections, mainly Gram-positive, were detected less frequently in the intervention arm. Adverse events were significantly more common with the additional antibiotic, and nephrotoxicity was significantly more common with additional glycopeptides [RR 1.88 (1.10-3.22), six studies, 1282 participants]. No significant heterogeneity was present in these comparisons. Conclusions: The use of glycopeptides can be safely deferred until the documentation of a resistant Gram-positive infection.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)436-444
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
Volume55
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2005

Funding

FundersFunder number
European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer
National Cancer Institute of Canada
European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer

    Keywords

    • Glycopeptides
    • Neutropenic fever
    • Staphylococcus aureus
    • Vancomycin

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