Antibacterial prophylaxis in pediatric patients with leukemia

BACKGROUND: Bacterial infections in pediatric patients with leukemia are associated with increased risks for morbidity and mortality. Few Recommendations have been made on the use of antibacterial prophylaxis in pediatrics with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). OBJECTIVES: To determine the role of antibacterial prophylaxis in pediatric patients with leukemia and the most appropriate regimen that can be safely and effectively used. METHODS: Literature search was conducted independently by 3 reviewers to find studies on the safety and effectiveness of antibacterial prophylactic regimens. RESULTS: The search strategy resulted in 13 studies; most of them were observational studies. The available evidence recommends use of antibiotics with Gram-positive bacterial coverage in AML patients. In ALL patients, prophylaxis was used during the intensive phases of chemotherapy with ciprofloxacin being recommended most commonly. CONCLUSION: Antibacterial prophylaxis mainly with coverage against Gram-positive bacteria is recommended in pediatric patients with AML. For ALL patients, prophylaxis may be considered for patients who are undergoing intensive chemotherapy phases and are at high risk for infections with ciprofloxacin being the most commonly used agent. In general more studies are needed to determine the role of antibacterial prophylaxis in pediatric patients with leukemia.