Viridans Group Streptococci in Pediatric Leukemia and Stem Cell Transplant: Review of a Risk-stratified Guideline for Empiric Vancomycin in Febrile Neutropenia

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2021 Sep 1;40(9):832-834. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003210.

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Febrile Neutropenia / drug therapy*
  • Febrile Neutropenia / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia / complications*
  • Leukemia / microbiology
  • Male
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Prospective Studies
  • Streptococcal Infections / drug therapy*
  • Vancomycin / therapeutic use*
  • Viridans Streptococci / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Vancomycin