A comparison of the efficacy of piperacillin-tazobactam and cefoperazone-sulbactam therapies in the empirical treatment of patients with febrile neutropenia

Introduction. Empirical antibiotic therapy in neutropenic patients presenting with fever plays a significant role in reducing mortality related to infection. Empirical therapies with broad-spectrum intravenous bactericidal, anti-pseudomonal antibiotics are accepted treatments for febrile neutropenic patients. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of piperacillin-tazobactam (PIP-TAZO) and cefoperozone-sulbactam (CS) therapies in adult patients with haematological malignancies presenting with neutropenic fever in a prospective study design. Methodology. Patients with haematological malignancies (leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndrome) were recruited from June 2010-May 2013. Participants were over 18 years old, with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of less than 500/mm(3) following chemotherapy or expected to have an ANC less than 500/mm3 in the first 48 h post-chemotherapy, and with an oral body temperature >= 38.3 degrees C at a single measurement or 38.0 degrees C after 1-h monitoring. Patients were randomised to the two treatment groups. The initial empirical therapy comprised PIP-TAZO (4.5 g/6 h/day, IV) and CS (2 g/8 h/day, IV). Results. The overall success rate was 61% with CS and 49% with PIP-TAZO (p = 0.247). Factors affecting the treatment success included a neutrophil count < 100/mm(3), being in the relapse/refractory stage of malignancy, and the presence of a microbiologically documented infection (p < 0.05). Conclusion. PIP-TAZO and CS monotherapies are equally effective and safe for the empirical treatment of febrile neutropenic patients.