ISSN:
1432-1440
Keywords:
Acute leukaemia
;
Infection prophylaxis
;
Selective decontamination
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary In a prospective study the efficacy of two regimens for selective decontamination of the digestive tract was studied in patients with acute leukaemia during remission induction therapy. Seventy-eight patients were randomized to receive either a combination of cotrimoxazole, polymyxin B and nystatin (group A) or a combination of nalidixic acid, polymyxin B, neomycin and nystatin. With both regimens the gastrointestinal tract could be decontaminated equally effectively from potential pathogens. In the oropharyngeal region the decontamination from Enterobacteriaceae was significantly better in group A (P〈0.01). In both groups less than 10% of the acquired infections were caused by gram-negative bacilli and no gram-negative septicaemia occurred in either group. The median time interval until the first acquired infection was 17 days in group A and 36 days in group B, respectively (P〈0.05). It is concluded that regimen A might be more effective than regimen B though both regimens prevent reliably severe gram-negative infections.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01487614
