First name
Sarah
Last name
Alexander

Title

Guideline for the Management of Fever and Neutropenia in Children With Cancer and Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation Recipients: 2017 Update.

Year of Publication

2017

Number of Pages

JCO2016717017

Date Published

2017 May 01

ISSN Number

1527-7755

Abstract

<p>Purpose To update a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the empirical management of fever and neutropenia (FN) in children with cancer and hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation recipients. Methods The International Pediatric Fever and Neutropenia Guideline Panel is a multidisciplinary and multinational group of experts in pediatric oncology and infectious diseases that includes a patient advocate. For questions of risk stratification and evaluation, we updated systematic reviews of observational studies. For questions of therapy, we conducted a systematic review of randomized trials of any intervention applied for the empirical management of pediatric FN. The Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to make strong or weak recommendations and to classify levels of evidence as high, moderate, low, or very low. Results Recommendations related to initial presentation, ongoing management, and empirical antifungal therapy of pediatric FN were reviewed; the most substantial changes were related to empirical antifungal therapy. Key differences from our 2012 FN CPG included the listing of a fourth-generation cephalosporin for empirical therapy in high-risk FN, refinement of risk stratification to define patients with high-risk invasive fungal disease (IFD), changes in recommended biomarkers and radiologic investigations for the evaluation of IFD in prolonged FN, and a weak recommendation to withhold empirical antifungal therapy in IFD low-risk patients with prolonged FN. Conclusion Changes to the updated FN CPG recommendations will likely influence the care of pediatric patients with cancer and those undergoing hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Future work should focus on closing research gaps and on identifying ways to facilitate implementation and adaptation.</p>

DOI

10.1200/JCO.2016.71.7017

Alternate Title

J. Clin. Oncol.

PMID

28459614

Title

Guideline for the management of fever and neutropenia in children with cancer and/or undergoing hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation.

Year of Publication

2012

Number of Pages

4427-38

Date Published

2012 Dec 10

ISSN Number

1527-7755

Abstract

<p><strong>PURPOSE: </strong>To develop an evidence-based guideline for the empiric management of pediatric fever and neutropenia (FN).</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>The International Pediatric Fever and Neutropenia Guideline Panel is a multidisciplinary and multinational group composed of experts in pediatric oncology and infectious disease as well as a patient advocate. The Panel was convened for the purpose of creating this guideline. We followed previously validated procedures for creating evidence-based guidelines. Working groups focused on initial presentation, ongoing management, and empiric antifungal therapy. Each working group developed key clinical questions, conducted systematic reviews of the published literature, and compiled evidence summaries. The Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to generate summaries, and evidence was classified as high, moderate, low, or very low based on methodologic considerations.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Recommendations were made related to initial presentation (risk stratification, initial evaluation, and treatment), ongoing management (modification and cessation of empiric antibiotics), and empiric antifungal treatment (risk stratification, evaluation, and treatment) of pediatric FN. For each recommendation, the strength of the recommendation and level of evidence are presented.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>This guideline represents an evidence-based approach to FN specific to children with cancer. Although some recommendations are similar to adult-based guidelines, there are key distinctions in multiple areas. Implementation will require adaptation to the local context.</p>

DOI

10.1200/JCO.2012.42.7161

Alternate Title

J. Clin. Oncol.

PMID

22987086

Title

Epidemiology and potential preventative measures for viral infections in children with malignancy and those undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Year of Publication

2012

Number of Pages

11-5

Date Published

2012 Jul 15

ISSN Number

1545-5017

Abstract

<p>In pediatric patients with malignancy and those receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplants, bacterial and fungal infections have been the focus of fever and neutropenia episodes for decades. However, improved diagnostic capabilities have revealed viral pathogens as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Because of limited effective antiviral therapies, prevention of viral infections is paramount. Pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis and antiviral suppressive therapeutic approaches are reviewed. Additionally, infection control practices specific to this patient population are discussed. A comprehensive approach utilizing each of these can be effective at reducing the negative impact of viral infections.</p>

DOI

10.1002/pbc.23417

Alternate Title

Pediatr Blood Cancer

PMID

22102619

Title

Antifungal prophylaxis in pediatric hematology/oncology: new choices & new data.

Year of Publication

2012

Number of Pages

21-6

Date Published

2012 Jul 15

ISSN Number

1545-5017

Abstract

<p>A severe complication of the treatment of pediatric cancers is the development of an invasive fungal infection (IFI). The data to support antifungal prophylaxis in pediatric oncology patients derive primarily from adult patients, and thus the optimal agent to utilize is not clear. Fluconazole has been a standard option, but agents with antimold activity are now available, each with limitations. Pediatric dosing for voriconazole and posaconazole is uncertain and multiple drug interactions exist. The echinocandins are well-tolerated, but only available in intravenous form. Ultimately, studies demonstrating biologic risk factors for the development of IFI may lead to personalized prophylactic strategies.</p>

DOI

10.1002/pbc.23415

Alternate Title

Pediatr Blood Cancer

PMID

22102607

Title

Prevention of bacterial infection in pediatric oncology: what do we know, what can we learn?

Year of Publication

2012

Number of Pages

16-20

Date Published

2012 Jul 15

ISSN Number

1545-5017

Abstract

<p>Bacterial sepsis continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and toxic death in children receiving intensive therapy for cancer. Empiric therapy for suspected infections and treatment of documented infections are well-established standards of care. The routine use of prophylactic strategies is much less common in pediatric oncology. This paper will review the current literature on the use and risks of antimicrobial prophylaxis as well as non-pharmacological methods for infection prevention and will address areas in need of further research.</p>

DOI

10.1002/pbc.23416

Alternate Title

Pediatr Blood Cancer

PMID

22102612

WATCH THIS PAGE

Subscription is not available for this page.