Evaluation of Using Empiric Glycopeptides in Accordance with the IDSA Guidelines in Hematologic Malignancy Patients with Febrile Neutropenia

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the appropriate use of empiric glycopeptide therapy in hematologic malignancy patients with febrile neutropenia (FN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with FN who were hospitalized in our clinic and started empiric glycopeptide therapy were retrospectively analyzed. Empiric glycopeptide treatment initial indications were determined according to 7 specific criteria in the IDSA guidelines. In addition, the duration of glycopeptide use according to initial indications, causative pathogens in culture positivity, frequency of VRE infection, and the mortality rate was identified. RESULTS: 87 patients were included. Of these, 102 episodes of FN were analyzed. Appropriate use of glycopeptides was observed in 98% of patients. The most common initial indication for glycopeptide was skin or soft-tissue infection, with 52% (n = 53). The mean duration of glycopeptide use was 11 (2–22) days. The time of glycopeptide use was longer in patients with catheter-related infections than in those with severe mucositis and hemodynamic instability (p = 0,041/p = 0,016). The duration of glycopeptide use was shorter in patients with consolidation therapy than in those without consolidation therapy. The mortality rate in culture-positive patients was significantly higher than in culture-negative patients (p = 0.041). At 72 h, glycopeptide therapy was discontinued in 8 of 79 FN episodes within culture-negative patients. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the mortality rate was higher in culture-positive patients. Additionally, glycopeptides should be discontinued early with no evidence of gram-positive infection.