Viridans Group Streptococci in Pediatric Leukemia and Stem Cell Transplant: Review of a Risk-stratified Guideline for Empiric Vancomycin in Febrile Neutropenia
Sandra Ruhayel, David A. Foley, Kate Hamilton, Patricia E. Ferguson, Rishi S. Kotecha, Asha C Bowen, Daniel K. Yeoh
Abstract
Viridans group streptococci (VGS) are an important cause of sepsis in immunosuppressed children. We reviewed the effectiveness of risk-stratified addition of vancomycin to empiric febrile neutropenia therapy among 107 children with leukemia or undergoing an allogeneic transplant. Of 19 VGS bacteremia episodes, 78.9% were susceptible to risk-stratified antibiotics including 100% from high-risk patients. All blood cultures were flagged positive within 24 hours.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineNeutropeniaBacteremiaVancomycinFebrile neutropeniaEmpiric therapyGuidelineInternal medicineSepsisIntensive care medicineViridans streptococciAntibioticsStreptococcusChemotherapyMicrobiologyPathologyStaphylococcus aureusAlternative medicineBacteriaBiologyGeneticsNeutropenia and Cancer InfectionsBacterial Identification and Susceptibility TestingBlood disorders and treatments